Child Development Specialist (Coach)

Description

 POSITION SUMMARY: ECKAN Head Start is seeking an Education & Child Development Coordinator to provide leadership, coaching, and oversight of early childhood education services within assigned service areas. This role ensures implementation of the Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) model and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to education, disabilities, mental health, and transitions. The coordinator supervises assigned staff, supports program quality improvement, and works collaboratively with the management team to ensure high-quality services that promote school readiness and positive outcomes for children and families.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure implementation of the Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) model in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards. 
• Monitor compliance with education, disabilities, mental health, and transition service requirements. 
• Review, update, and ensure adherence to policies, procedures, contracts, and interagency agreements. 
• Maintain accurate documentation and records in accordance with program and regulatory requirements. 
• Collect, analyze, and report program data as required. 
• Provide coaching and technical assistance to identified staff using the Practice-Based Coaching model. 
• Serve as a subject matter resource for coaching, early childhood education, and related service areas. 
• Support orientation, onboarding, and ongoing training of staff in collaboration with the management team. 
• Support staff in implementing effective child assessment and documentation practices. 
• Ensure staff complete required certifications, training, and professional development activities. 
• Supervise Family Educators and Childcare Partnership Specialists within assigned service areas. 
• Conduct and/or support employee performance evaluations and professional development planning. 
• Review and approve timekeeping and leave requests for assigned staff, as applicable. 
• Provide ongoing feedback, guidance, and performance support to staff. 
• Ensure families receive appropriate education, disability, mental health, and transition supports. 
• Promote parent engagement and participation in early childhood education services. 
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, including ICCs, agencies, and contracted partners. 
• Support recruitment and engagement of childcare partners and volunteers, including in-kind contributions. 
• Oversee coordination of education services across assigned service areas. 
• Monitor child development records and ensure timely completion of required reports and documentation. 
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts and implementation of program goals. 
• Promote an inclusive environment that respects diversity in culture, language, ethnicity, gender, and family composition. 
• Foster positive staff morale, communication, and teamwork across assigned areas. 
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency, staff, and family information. 
• Adhere to the ECKAN Code of Ethical Conduct. 
• Provide crisis intervention support and referrals to community resources as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field required 
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred 
• Experience in early childhood education, coaching, or program coordination preferred 
• Supervisory experience strongly preferred 
• Strong communication, organization, and computer skills 
• Ability to travel within a multi-county service area 
• Valid driver’s license and insurable under agency policy 
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the role (including occasional lifting up to 40 lbs) 
• Successful completion of background checks and required health screenings