Peer Coach

Peer Coach Job Description

Title: Peer Coach

Responsible For: Non-Supervisory Role

Reports To: Education Manager

Exempt Position: No

Position Summary:

The Peer Coach is responsible for providing support, mentorship, and professional development to teaching staff to enhance the quality of education and care provided to children. The Peer Coach will work collaboratively with educators to model best practices, observe classroom activities, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate ongoing training. This role aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice, ensuring that all children receive high-quality early childhood education in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Coaching Duties:

• Develop positive, trusting, and supportive relationships with staff
• Work with Education Managers, Human Resource Manager, and Director to develop and implement ongoing professional development plan for education staff and support them to apply culturally sensitive approaches in working with each other, with children and with families
• Provides practice-based coaching strategies
• Ensure compliance in program practices with State Licensing Standards, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and State QRIS program standards
• Collaborate with Education Managers to support staff in implementing and meeting the agency’s school readiness goals

• Help staff take information from in-services, training, workshops, and conferences and implement it into daily practice
• Coach teachers on curriculum, frameworks, and assessment tools as directed by the Education Managers
• Support teachers’ awareness, knowledge, skills, and use of effective teaching practices in classrooms
• Work with staff to identify individual and/or classroom goals to work on
• Develop individualized coaching plans for teachers/ classroom teams
• Collaborate with management to provide staff with necessary materials, resources, and information to help them implement their coaching plans
• Conduct in-classroom observations and assessments of teaching practices, teachers’ interactions with children, and classroom environment
• Meet with teaching staff regularly for reflective discussions, providing constructive feedback, and planning

• Review and analyze data from assessment tools and inform management of staff needs

Teaching Duties:

• Model appropriate practices and strategies in the classroom to engage children and improve learning and development
• Assist in monitoring children's progress data, CLASS data, and other observational data
• Work with Education Managers to review curriculum plans, assessment, and implementation to provide technical assistance to those on caseload
• Provide supportive services within the classroom setting as a substitute teacher as assigned based on program need including all responsibilities of a Lead Teacher or Teachers Assistant when operating in this function

General Responsibilities:

• Assists in developing and evaluating program goals and objectives
• Maintain a positive working relationship with staff members to ensure students are receiving a quality educational experience
• Meet regularly with immediate supervisor and attends and/or facilitates meeting and training sessions as needed
• Obtain current CLASS certification within 1st year of hire
• Obtain CDA PD Specialist certification within 1st year of hire
• As assigned, provide support to staff obtaining their CDA
• Maintain strict confidentiality of staff, child, and family information
• Provide in-environment support for classroom as assigned
• Monitor staff progress and child outcomes based on student assessments and school readiness goals as needed
• Assist center staff with new teacher and volunteer onboarding and training; assist the education team in planning and implementing comprehensive, differentiated, and professional development for education staff
• Maintain accurate files and records and provide data and reports as required
• Maintain up to date family and child contact notes in Child Plus
• Offer support, guidance, and ideas to staff to increase teaching strategies
• Other duties as assigned

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Recommended Qualifications, Education and Experience:

This position must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or other related field. Proven experience in mentoring or coaching educators. Strong knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum, and assessment tools. Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice

Preferred:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, preferably in a Head Start or similar program
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and e-mail
• Proficiency Excel, ChildPlus, Microsoft Office Suits Programs, and/or other computer software programs related to documentation
• Training in trauma-informed care and practices
• Experience in using technology and digital tools for coaching and PD
• Skill in collecting and analyzing data; prepare reports and maintain records

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities
• Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders

Required:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be in possession of a valid Montana Driver’s License
• Must complete required health screenings, immunizations, and physical
• Must pass a comprehensive State and FBI fingerprint background check

Working Conditions:

Tasks that involve possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on national flights, main highway, side streets, and rural roads during business travel, including travel to meetings and training events. Tasks may involve handling implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephones and personal contacts. Possible exposure to communicable diseases. This is a job that is a mixture of desk work, standing for long periods of time, and visits in the community. This job may require you to lift items up to 50 lbs. in weight. Ability to successfully perform the job in this manner is required.