Instructional Support Coach

YMCA of Metro Atlanta; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta seeks an Early Language and Literacy Coach to train and support preschool teachers. You will guide implementation of evidence‑based practices, monitor progress with data, and coordinate mentorship across centers.

The role emphasizes collaboration with program directors and literacy leadership to raise student literacy outcomes, involving ongoing professional development and cross‑center support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in reading, early childhood education, special education, or a related field.
• 1+ years of preschool/pre‑K teaching experience.
• Knowledge of effective strategies and ability to analyze instruction.
• Valid GA provisional teacher certification with reading coursework.
• Experience and skill as a coach or mentor for adults on literacy‑related topics.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Deep understanding of scientifically based research in early language and literacy development.
• Hands‑on experience utilizing data to make informed instructional decisions.

Responsibilities

• Provide resources and training to staff on early language and literacy practices.
• Coach teachers on implementing intervention approaches using data for decisions.
• Support core curricular program implementation and work with publishers as needed.
• Establish peer-mentoring networks and oversee observations of practices.
• Deliver literacy content and lead study groups to discuss research and student work.
• Build a school learning community across classrooms and facilities.
• Lead and coordinate school assessment teams for literacy screenings and progress monitoring.
• Coach on administration and interpretation of assessment data to guide small-group instruction.

Skills

Coaching adults on literacy topics

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Data-driven instructional decisions

Strategy analysis

Understanding of evidence-based early‑

Research literacy in early language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in reading, early childhood education, special education, or related field

Valid GA provisional teacher certification with reading coursework

Master’s degree in reading, early childhood education, special education, or related field

Job description

Location

YMCA South DeKalb Early Learning Center

Responsibilities

• Provide resources and training to school or center staff on scientifically based early language and literacy research and evidence‑based practices.
• Coach classroom lead and assistant teachers on the implementation of core, supplemental, and intensive intervention approaches for birth‑to‑five early language and literacy development, using data from valid and reliable assessments for instructional decision making.
• Provide support for the implementation of the core curricular program and approaches selected by program directors, working with publishers as necessary.
• Establish and oversee a peer‑mentoring support network for teachers, facilitating classroom visits to observe implementation of recommended practices.
• Re‑deliver literacy content or advanced seminar content to birth‑to‑five teachers and assistant teachers; lead study groups to discuss research, enhance commercial programs with research‑based content, share implementation experiences, and examine student work.
• Act as a catalyst for building a school or center learning community focused on integrated learning and building connections across classrooms and facilities.
• Lead and coordinate the school/center assessment team: administer literacy assessments for screening, progress monitoring, diagnostic, and outcomes.
• Coach teachers on the administration and interpretation of assessment data to determine adequate progress, identify needs for supplemental or intensive intervention, and group for small‑group instruction.
• Become familiar with administration and interpretation of in‑depth diagnostic measures or additional assessments commonly used in early education.
• Use guidance for reviewing core, supplemental, and intensive intervention materials under consideration for purchase to ensure alignment with the literacy initiative.
• Help organize and lead school/center and regional professional development opportunities to disseminate literacy content to non‑project schools or centers.
• Meet regularly with the Senior Director of Early Learning Education, Lead Literacy Coach, and peers to assess the progress of the literacy initiative and modify elements as necessary.
• Assist in the analysis of school/center‑wide literacy strengths and weaknesses, and formulate plans to improve student achievement in language and literacy and teaching effectiveness.
• Create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration among staff to promote professional growth and accelerate language and literacy achievement of all students.
• Attend all professional development and networking meetings designed for Literacy Initiative Coaches.
• Support the implementation of all Early Learning Signature Programs to ensure high‑quality consistency across the organization.
• Support the Early Learning Education Department in meeting school readiness goals.
• Assist in creating administrative systems that support high‑quality early childhood education programs.
• Conduct CLASS assessment sweeps.
• Review posted lesson plans during RRFTS site visits.
• Collect and enter Head Start education tracking forms.
• Support Education Managers with providing teaching staff additional support regarding classroom needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in reading, early childhood education, special education, or a related field.
• 1+ years of prior preschool/pre‑K teaching experience.
• Knowledge of a range of effective strategies, the ability to analyze instruction, and the skill to provide clear, specific information on strategy implementation.
• Valid GA provisional teacher certification with documented reading coursework.
• Experience and skill as a coach or mentor for adults on literacy‑related topics.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Deep understanding of scientifically based research in early language and literacy development and evidence‑based practices for teaching and assessing progress toward benchmarks.
• Hands‑on experience utilizing data to make informed instructional decisions.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree in reading, early childhood education, special education, or a related field.
• 3+ years of prior preschool/pre‑K teaching experience.
• Valid GA T‑certification that is clear and renewable.

Employment and Benefits

The employment and benefits package for this position is offered through Early Childhood Development Co., LLC, whose sole managing member is the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must pass a pre‑employment background check, including a criminal record check, drug screening, motor vehicle record, and reference check according to company policy. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

EEO Statement

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.