Early Learning Education Support Coach

Hamden Early Learning Program

Early Childhood Education Support Coach

Under the supervision of the Early Learning Program Director, the Early Childhood Education Support Coach provides hands‑on support to classrooms during core hours, focusing on behavioral management and lesson plans, while coaching teachers in best practice. The Coach aids in curriculum development for preschool children ages 2½ to 5, delivering technical assistance, coaching, reflection, and training in conjunction with the Early Childhood Education Coordinator and Program Director.

• Curriculum and Early Learning Environments
  • Ensure all children receive enriching, developmentally appropriate educational programming through coaching and supervision of classroom teachers in alignment with CT Early Learning and Development Standards.
  • Weekly review of lesson plans, provide feedback, and observe planned experiences for children.
  • Work with teaching staff to individualize lesson plans that meet all children's needs.
  • Promote continuous quality improvement and quality assurance efforts for the program.
  • Past experience teaching in the pre‑kindergarten age group, with age‑appropriate language and teaching methods.
  • Patience, optimism, compassion, enthusiasm, and empathy.
  • Mediation skills for resolving conflicts between children.
  • Creative mindset for planning innovative, exciting lessons.
• Coaching
  • Facilitate peer‑to‑peer learning in one‑on‑one or group settings, supporting capacity‑building strategies.
  • Provide skill development to staff through on‑the‑job technical assistance and modeling of specific skills.
  • Guide staff in building skills and competence, especially in addressing challenging behaviors and sensory needs.
  • Support professional development of all staff by delivering coaching and technical assistance.
  • Coach teachers in developmentally appropriate practices and schedules, including small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions.
  • Handle sensitive situations professionally, maintain boundaries, confidentiality, and strong organization and time‑management skills.
  • Travel to monitor and support staff at various locations.
  • Assist teachers in curriculum planning, DOTs assessment, and special‑needs strategies.
  • Teach in classrooms to maintain ratio as needed and support teachers and children across multiple classrooms with behavioral management, role‑modeling, and daily activities.
• Evaluation and Assessment
  • Participate in site visits, classroom observations, and work groups to assess program needs and plan improvements.
  • Collaborate with teachers to provide ongoing assessment using the CT DOTS.
  • Compile and analyze data to monitor outcomes and plan long‑ and short‑term goals.
  • Organize and conduct quarterly classroom monitoring visits, record data, and follow up with each classroom teaching team.
  • Assist in staff training on specialized and trans‑disciplinary subjects promoting collaborative teaming and inclusive practice.
• Communication
  • Communicate effectively to build trust and with direct service staff and administration.
  • Participate in meetings as requested.
  • Provide guidance and support for implementation of curriculum, individualization plans, and ongoing assessments.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field;
  Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience in a preschool classroom.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience coaching or mentoring preschool teachers.
• Working knowledge of the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards.
• Knowledge and experience with early childhood mental health and disability services.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and e‑mail.

The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, drive, and lift up to 50 pounds. Tasks include operating office equipment, reaching with hands and arms, and maintaining vision 20/20. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Intermittent exposure to computer screens; moderate noise level; continuous interaction with families and the public. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Full‑time non‑union position, 40 hours weekly. Salary range: $22–$24 per hour. Fingerprinting, physical and TB test required upon employment.