Preschool Mentor Coach (301) at Lutheran Services Florida

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Mentor Coach who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

Mentor Coach provides on-site coaching for Early Head Start and Head Start teachers and Teacher Assistants. Conducts classroom observations, demonstration lessons, provides feedback, discusses analysis of child outcomes data and provides coaching/mentoring for teachers to improve teacher-child interactions and child outcomes towards school readiness. Assists and/or develops and updates classroom programs and procedures for the instructional outcomes, curriculum implementation, child assessment and cultural and linguistic responsiveness. Provides technical assistance to identified teaching staff and Center Directors.  Responsible for analyzing data from the CLASS observation tool and support staff professional development through staff training designed to improve the use of evidence-based teaching practices.  Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Essential Functions: 

• Monitors and documents provisions and progressions in the area of Early Childhood Education and School Readiness.
• Provides initial and ongoing training and technical assistance to identified Early Head Start and Head Start staff regarding program philosophy, policies, procedures, curriculum and other topics as requested or assigned to ensure the uniform delivery of quality services.
• In collaboration with the Education Childhood Education Supervisor and field staff, assists in the developing and evaluating program goals and objectives.
• Monitors the implementation of a developmentally and linguistically appropriate approach to child development and education.
• Maintains reliability in the CLASS assessment Tool. Designs classroom assessment plans for ongoing program improvement.
• Designs and implements staff trainings to address continuous improvement in child readiness outcomes based on data collected from classrooms, current research and to ensure comprehensive programming
• Provides input and recommendations on staff performance to Center Directors, Early Childhood Education Manager and other management staff for performance appraisal and corrective action purposes.
• Facilitates and coordinates meetings and training as assigned or in coordination with the Early Childhood Education Supervisor and ECE Supervisor/VPK or Childcare Partner Supervisor.
• Interprets and applies written program policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Completes monthly monitoring reports for assigned sites and submits them as prescribed.
• Submits written, monthly work activities and reports to Director of Education, Professional Development and Training.
• Develops and maintains schedules for on-site visits.
• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the Director.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to HS/EHS children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Positions and duties are subject to change as

Other Functions:

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift at least 45 lbs. Duties require regular driving to program sites within the county. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.  

Education:  Baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in Early Childhood Education, Social or Behavioral Science, Education, or a related field which included at least 18 semester hours in Early Childhood Education; and

A Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Pre-

Schoolers or Infant/Toddlers Course; and 

Successful completion of the 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of hire date and

A Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Special Needs Course; and a State of Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential or eligible to obtain credential; and Possession of a valid Florida Driver License. Must be 21 years of age.

Experience: Two years of experience in teaching pre-school or kindergarten age plus two years of supervisory experience required.  Previous Head Start/Early Head Start experience preferred.

Also required: Certification in First Aid and CPR within six months of the date assigned to this position; and successful completion of a Level II background screening and drug screening prior to hiring. Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of child development and current research-based pedagogy, curriculum resources, appropriate classroom management techniques for preschool classrooms and reflective practice mentor/coaching strategies.
• Knowledge of HS/EHS performance standards.
• Knowledge of local customs, cultures, languages and resources helpful.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques.
• Math skills needed to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages and overtime.
• Computer skills to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; make recommendations and develop implementation strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret agency, federal and state laws pertaining to the program.
• Ability to speak before groups of individuals and to lead employees and volunteers.
• Ability to plan and direct activities to write goals and objectives.
• Ability to utilize agency resources, and technology to appropriately answer questions and provides guidance to staff and parents.
• Ability to train and provide presentations to large and small groups.
• Ability to collaborate with and have working knowledge of local community resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of ECERS, CLASS, Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies.
• Demonstrated competence in ECE instructional methodologies; experience working in a multicultural setting.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to observe, document and analyze data to support recommendations for goals, objectives, and additional training for classroom teachers and assistants.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with children and parents, and the ability to travel to assigned classrooms;
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail are required and the candidate must be able to meet designated deadlines.

Other: Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Team player with co-workers and central service office staff.
• Cost effective program operations.
• Adherence to agency policies and management practices.
• Effective staff management and leadership.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.  

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Teledhealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.