Future Opening: Instructional Coach

Instructional Coach

The Instructional Coach provides individualized, practice-based coaching and instructional support to Head Start and Early Head Start teaching staff to strengthen effective teaching practices, responsive caregiving, classroom environments, child engagement, and positive adult-child interactions for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. This position supports teaching staff in applying developmentally appropriate and evidence-based practices aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. The Instructional Coach works collaboratively with teachers, Teacher Assistants, Education Managers, Site Managers, and other program staff to support professional growth and classroom quality. The position conducts classroom observations, provides reflection and feedback, assists with the implementation of effective instructional practices, and uses coaching and observation information to support continuous improvement. Coaching is provided through the Practice-Based Coaching model, including shared goals, action planning, focused observation, reflection, feedback, and follow-up.

The Instructional Coach supports EOAC's work by helping teaching staff strengthen classroom practices and provide high-quality learning and caregiving experiences that promote positive outcomes for children and families. By supporting practices that promote children's safety, development, learning, engagement, and well-being while building respectful and supportive relationships with teaching staff. By providing objective feedback, maintaining confidentiality, completing accurate documentation, and following Head Start, licensing, and EOAC requirements. By developing collaborative coaching relationships with teaching staff and partnering with Education leadership and program staff to address classroom needs. By establishing meaningful coaching goals, using observation and assessment information, monitoring progress, and supporting improvements in teaching practices and classroom quality.

Teaching staff receive consistent, individualized, and meaningful instructional coaching that supports professional growth. Coaching goals and action plans are clearly established, documented, monitored, and followed through. Classroom observations and quality-assessment activities identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for additional support. Teaching staff receive timely, specific, objective, and constructive feedback that supports improved classroom practice. Developmentally appropriate, evidence-based, culturally responsive, and linguistically responsive teaching and caregiving practices are supported and implemented. Required CLASS, QCIT, Classroom Environmental Checklist, Frog Street Fidelity, and other assigned observation activities are completed accurately and on time. Coaching documentation, ChildPlus records, Coaching Logs, Weekly Schedules, and other required records are accurate, timely, and complete. Coaching information and classroom trends are used to support professional development, Continuous Quality Improvement, classroom quality, and positive outcomes for children.