Early Learning Coach Specialist - #1415010

Position: Early Learning Coach Specialist

Hiring Salary Range: $60,000.00-$63,000.00

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Early Learning Coach Lead

AGENCY SUMMARY:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services has been at the forefront of the early learning landscape for over 30 years, ensuring that all children have equitable access to safe, engaging, and positive early learning experiences that promote school readiness and lifetime success. With a staff of over 140 and a budget of $60 million (99% publicly funded), BrightSpark Early Learning Services offers a comprehensive range of services for families and childcare providers, enabling them to support the development and well-being of our children.

OPPORTUNITY:

The Early Learning Coach Specialist provides direct services to the childcare provider community. The primary goal of these services is to support providers in becoming licensed, assist them in building strong business and ECE practices, and help them improve the quality of childcare. Additionally, to support licensed childcare providers with their childcare-related questions and needs. The Early Learning Coach Specialist is a member of the Early Learning Services Department and reports to the assigned supervisor. The Specialist participates as an active team member, setting goals and deciding how to accomplish the department's work. The Early Learning Coach Specialist has a direct impact on the quality of childcare facilities in King and Pierce Counties by utilizing the statewide Quality Recognition and Improvement System (Early Achievers) and providing pre-licensing support. The Specialist role entails providing on-site, distance practice-based, and transformational coaching to center and family-home-based childcare programs serving children ages 0-12 in King and Pierce Counties. Specialists collaborate with childcare center administrators and family childcare providers to develop quality improvement goals, model and support best practices in early childhood education and management, and facilitate professional development objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities of the Early Learning Coach Specialist include, but may not be limited to:

• Assist licensed centers and family childcare providers in entering the WA State Early Achievers Quality Recognition Improvement System.
• Provide anti-racist, culturally relevant, and inclusive assistance in person to licensed childcare facilities throughout King and Pierce Counties, as well as by phone, email, and other remote delivery systems.
• Provide technical assistance and group learning experiences (GLE) on topics related to the Early Achievers quality standards and program assessment tools used in the quality improvement process, general business practices, navigating licensing requirements, use of technology, electronic attendance, grant, and program handbook support, etc. to help them prepare for the quality recognition process.
• Manage a caseload to include directors and family childcare providers to develop, implement, and evaluate quality improvement plans and goals.
• Model respect for providers, their cultural practices, and ECE best practices always.
• Provide documentation of all technical assistance and coaching activities through web-based computer software programs.
• Provide direct support to providers via the Provider Phone Line as assigned.
• Submit complete and accurate documentation in a regular and timely manner.
• Participate in regular team, program, and agency meetings.
• Participate in training and other professional development activities required by BrightSpark.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and 3 years of related work experience or a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and 2 years of related job experience. In exceptional situations, 5-6 years of early childhood experience will be considered instead of education.

Desired Qualifications

• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or Somali languages.
• Coursework, formal training in culturally appropriate anti-bias practice and theory, and a commitment to continued professional development in this area.
• Ability to facilitate reflective practice sessions with early learning professionals.
• Practical experience and master-level expertise in at least two or more of the following content areas: Infant Development, Toddler Development, Preschool Development, Bilingual/Bicultural Education, evidence-based classroom curriculum, Accreditation (NAEYC, NAC, NAFCC, etc.), Social-Emotional Development, and Childcare Center Administration & Management.
• Experience utilizing and supporting research-based quality assessments to guide the development of a quality improvement plan.
• Knowledge of childcare licensing and the regulatory environment surrounding Family and center-based childcare.
  
  

Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, cultural relevancy, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated expertise in effective coaching, mentoring, and other consultative practices that support adult learners.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, as most work time is field-based.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to understand and experience Quality Improvement and Adult Learning theories and practices.
• Knowledge of ECE Curricula and Assessments, including Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) tools.
• Knowledge of the Early Learning and Development Guidelines (ELDG)
• Three to five years of classroom/Family Childcare experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to provide leadership, innovation, motivation, and constructive feedback to Early Learning professionals.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain timely documentation/data entry into electronic data systems.
• Proven ability to consistently meet monthly targets and goals.
• Ability to work occasional night and weekend hours within the work week.
• Knowledge of computer software, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Zoom
• Washington State Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and daily access to a reliable automobile.
• You must be able to lift 10-15 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to interact with children at eye level; interaction on the floor may be necessary.
• Participate in other duties as required or assigned.
• You must be able to work some evenings and weekends as required.
• willing to travel throughout King and Pierce Counties for onsite visits.
  
  

COMPETENCIES:

• Core Competencies -
• Mission-driven: Demonstrates commitment to the mission and values of the mission.
• Equity mindset: Demonstrates the values of anti-racism; fosters an inclusive environment that facilitates diversity.
• Communication: Uses skillful written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening.
• Adaptability: Adapts and responds to change; proactively seeks opportunities to be supportive of change that serves our mission
• Ownership and quality of work: Manages own work and work of teams when relevant, ensuring delivery of successful outcomes.
  

COMPENSATION:

• Hiring Salary Range: $60,000.00-$63,000.00
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• This is a full-time salaried position requiring work during BrightSpark Early Learning Services Business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5 pm, and requires a willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
  
  

BrightSpark will determine the specific salary for the successful candidate based on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, skill, and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications and internal racial equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total compensation package.

Other components of the total compensation package may include participation in group life, health and dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program(s), paid time off, and paid holidays.

BENEFITS:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services’ benefits package includes employer-paid top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees, 21 days of PTO per year in addition to 11 paid holidays, 3 paid floating holidays, birthday holiday, and one week-long office closure at year-end, Refresh Fridays in July (BrightSpark Early Learning Services Closure Days), flexible work environment, employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability/illness leave accrual, and 401k with 3% employer match.

WORK LOCATION:

• This position is a Hybrid Position.
• Hybrid positions at BrightSpark require at least two days in the office per week. These days may change based on individual position and department needs.
• BrightSpark Early Learning Services employees in all types of work positions (hybrid, community, etc.) must attend training, meetings, events, or other work commitments at various BrightSpark Early Learning Services office locations or off-site locations in Washington State, including the New Employee Orientation in Kent, Washington.
  
  

EQUAL EQUITY EMPLOYER:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity among our staff. We strongly encourage people of color, immigrants and refugees, people from the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and people from other historically marginalized groups to apply.

Additional Information & Questions

• To learn more about BrightSpark Early Learning Services, please visit BrightSpark.org
• BrightSpark Early Learning Services is a grant-funded nonprofit organization. This and all positions are contingent on grant funding being in place and can end based on the expiration of funding.