Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education plus three (3) years’ related work experience.  Effective interpersonal and evidence-based coaching skills likely to result in positive changes in teaching practices.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to develop goals and related action plans to improve the quality of early and education delivered to young children.

Knowledge of Practice Based Coaching.

MENTOR TEACHER 

The Mentor Teacher serves as Master Teacher in the Early Childhood education classroom. The Mentor Teacher will administer the center-based program at the classroom level in providing developmentally appropriate early education and care of children in either a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom.  Supports newly hired center-based staff and teacher apprentices completing the Child Development Association (CDA) program.  The Mentor Teacher will model, mentor, and provide feedback to support center-based staff and teacher apprentices in effectively developing their learning environment using curriculum and planning educational experiences.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education plus three (3) years’ related work experience.  Effective interpersonal and evidence-based coaching skills likely to result in positive changes in teaching practices.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to develop goals and related action plans to improve the quality of early and education delivered to young children.

Knowledge of Practice Based Coaching.

Ability to establish an effective professional manner in all dealings with clients and the public. 

Dependable and flexible about working hours.  Must work center-based hours and workdays.  

Ability to use discretion in all facets of work-related situations. 

This is a professional position that requires the individual to consistently use and demonstrate sound judgement, early care and education recommended practices, and a commitment to supporting the mission of the YDI Early Childhood Education Division.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.  

This is a professional position, which requires organizational and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact, and diplomacy in contacts with employees, community residents, parents, and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.

The ability to lift and carry 55 lbs. is essential.  Must be able to pass a medical examination in accordance with federal program requirements and NM Early Childhood licensing regulations upon offer of hire, and physical may be required intermittently.  Must be able to provide documentation of being free from communicable tuberculosis in accordance with Head Start Standards.

Background investigation to include fingerprint process will be required.  

Frequent travel may be required by employees.  Valid NM driver’s license and proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

YDI Head Start is an at-will employer.  Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice.  This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality and individualized early education to all children in the classroom.
• Serve as a role model to other adults in the classroom.
• Participate in on-going development assessment of each child using the program curriculum and assist parents to evaluate and assess their child’s development.Make relevant referrals to appropriate person/agency.
• In cooperation with parents and Component Manager, participate in developing and implementing Individual Education Goals or Individual Family Service Plan for each child/family.
• Develop and implement writtenlesson plans to meet the individual developmental needs of children in the classroom.
• Complete/maintain/submit all records and reports needed from the classroom including, but not limited to: (1) children’s files (e.g., daily sheets, anecdotal records, health forms), (2) attendance records, (3) meal counts, 4) in-kind documentation, etc.
• Conduct periodic home visits and parent-caregiver/teacher conferences in accordance with schedule in Program Performance Standards.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to new employees and teacher apprentices that is designed to enhance knowledge of the implementation of the early education curriculum and teacher-child interactions.
• Ensures teacher-child interactions and instruction areresponsive, intentional, and developmentally appropriate to ensure children are provided socially supportive, organized, and instructionally meaningful interactions to support their development (i.e., social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language).
• Adheres to all Head Start Program Performance Standards, state, and local licensing standards, and YDI policies and procedures.
• Reinforces and provides follow-up on training received by new employees and teacher apprentices.
• Works with the Center Director and teacher apprentice instructor to ensure newly hired centerbased teaching staff and teacher apprentices are appropriately supported so they demonstrate teaching practices consistent with YDI and Office of Head Start program performance standards and expectations.
• Attends all staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.