Job Description

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting children, families, and educators in achieving school readiness and lifelong success. As a Mentor Teacher, you will play a vital role in guiding and developing early childhood education staff, ensuring high-quality classroom practices, and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by mentoring new and existing teachers, supporting family engagement, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our Head Start program. If you are passionate about early childhood education and enjoy helping others grow professionally, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom staff in conducting child observation and assessment, and using data to plan classroom and individual activities.
• Assist teachers in planning home visits and implementing data-informed approaches to school readiness.
• Ensure staff are knowledgeable in the Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and selected curricula to achieve program goals.
• Guide classroom staff in planning activities and experiences that promote school readiness and meet program objectives.
• Utilize program data to design learning opportunities that enhance teaching practices, teacher-child interactions, and family engagement.
• Serve as a substitute teacher during staff absences as needed.
• Model effective classroom practices to support implementation at the classroom level.
• Develop and maintain a schedule to provide consistent support to new classroom staff during their first 18 months of employment.
• Encourage staff professional development by referring them to credential and higher education programs and sharing training opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Education Manager to plan and implement individualized and center-wide professional development.
• Support the implementation and evaluation of the Creative Curriculum for Pre-school, including bilingual classrooms.
• Facilitate communication with the Education Manager, Center Liaison, and Program Director.
• Assist staff in implementing supervisor feedback and making progress toward professional goals.
• Oversee compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Head Start Act, and OCFS child day care regulations for new staff.
• Support new staff in accessing resources, meeting with service area managers, and using program databases and forms.
• Promote environmental health and safety, active supervision, and mental wellness in classrooms.
• Support education staff in implementing culturally and linguistically responsive family engagement strategies.
• Assist with planning and coordinating family events and meaningful volunteer opportunities for families.
• Support staff in referring children and families to specialists and following up on individual healthcare needs.
• Maintain accurate records of staff progress, training, and classroom documentation in required databases.
• Analyze program outcomes, contribute to self-assessment, and support implementation of program improvements.
• Provide instruction and model appropriate classroom practices for staff and volunteers.
• Meet regularly with education staff, especially during their initial 18 months, to provide support, training, and feedback.
• Promote a positive, collaborative work environment and uphold the shared values and standards of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education.
• At least 3 years of experience teaching in an early childhood classroom.
• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen as required by regulations.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks as needed in a classroom setting.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel among program centers.
• Basic computer literacy, including email, word processing, and internet navigation.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid, or willingness to obtain if required.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

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