Early Learning Coach - Baltimore County Early Head Start

The Y in Central Maryland; Arbutus (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Competitive pay

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The Y in Central Maryland seeks an Early Learning Coach for the Baltimore County Early Head Start program. This role is pivotal in ensuring educational quality and promoting positive child outcomes through curriculum implementation. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years' experience with young children, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development is preferred. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven organization.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2 years experience with infants, toddlers and two-year-olds.
• CPR and First Aid certification must be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Conduct monthly classroom observations in each center.
• Provide feedback to Teachers and Zone Managers.
• Monitor curriculum implementation and quality.

Skills

Classroom management

Curriculum planning

Child development strategies

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development

Job description

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you’ll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Position Summary

This position serves as Coach for the Baltimore County Early Head Start program. This position is chiefly responsible for supporting educational quality, curriculum implementation and positive child outcomes throughout the program, and performs other tasks as needed. The Early Learning Coach works under the supervision of the Education Manager and collaborates with Zone Managers, teachers, and other staff in the Early Head Start program to ensure that outcomes are achieved for children of all abilities according to the goals of Head Start Performance Standards.

Essential Functions

Support For Educational Quality & Positive Child Outcomes

• Conduct monthly classroom observations in each center and classroom, both informally and formally (utilizing our program systems and tools).
• Provide feedback to Teachers and Zone Managers in all areas of educational quality, including but not limited to:
  • Classroom environment and materials
  • Daily structure and routines
  • Positive guidance, classroom management, dealing with challenging behavior
  • Planning curriculum that is engaging, meaningful, developmentally appropriate, individualized and outcome‑focused
  • Interaction strategies to support children’s language, cognitive and social development
  • Support for English Language Learners
  • Early literacy and mathematics learning
• Work with Zone Managers to create and maintain quality improvement plans; identify and procure resources to support Zone Managers in successfully executing quality improvement.
• Coach and support Head Teachers to serve as the education lead for their buildings.
• Monitor implementation and quality of curriculum and assessment, including:
  • Review of lesson plans
  • Child observations and accuracy of analysis in Creative Curriculum
  • Student assessment and quality of evidence
  • Gold & Gold Plus outcomes
• Model best practices for Teachers.
• Assist Zone Managers and Teachers in understanding child outcomes data and using it to plan and individualize.
• Along with Data and Outcomes Specialist, track child outcomes and program quality assessment results on a classroom‑ and center‑wide basis, analyze data and make program development recommendations to the Education Manager and Sr. Director of Head Start Operations.
• Work with the Education Manager to develop, conduct or arrange training as needed, including professional development days, ongoing training, center‑ or team‑specific training, and additional related training for parents, volunteers, or others.
• Support implementation of pilots and special initiatives related to curriculum, assessment, teacher training or other.
• Conduct themselves in a mature professional manner in compliance with YMCA Baltimore County Head Start policies and procedures through behavior, appearance and attitude.
• Respect confidentiality of sensitive matters.
• Attend and actively participate in Early Head Start and Curriculum training to continue professional growth.

Qualifications

• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certificate.
• Must obtain a valid criminal background check and employment reference check.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development is preferred; related degree areas may be accepted.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years experience working with infants, toddlers and two‑year‑old children.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.