POSITION DESCRIPTION

Early Childhood Mentor

INFORMATION

Job Class: Specialist

Department: LEARN

Type of Position: Non-Exempt

Location of Work: Juneau, AK

Covered Position: Yes

Salary Grade(s): 7

Hours of Work: M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Employment Category: Regular, Full-Time

PURPOSE

The Incumbent is responsible for observing and assessing the classroom staff and activities in the LEARN Child Care Center. The Early Childhood Mentor will provide guidance and training to teaching staff and volunteers, to improve the qualifications and training, to maintain high-quality education services, and to promote professional development in the early learning program.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: LEARN Child Care Administrator

Supervises: N/A

Liaison To: N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist with developing and implementing a formalized approach to staff training and development by offering training in the classroom and emphasizing excellence in daily practice
• Develop and maintain schedule for year-round training opportunities
• Build trust and develop non-judgmental relationships with educators and care providers
• Assess education staff to identify strengths and areas of needed support
• Provide opportunities for intensive mentoring, including opportunities to observe, provided feedback and model effective practices related to program performance goals
• Individualize support to teaching staff and volunteers to best meet the needs of children and their families
• Support teacher and program goals, objectives and learning styles; analyze the nature, extent, and duration of identified training needs
• Coordinate scheduling of and may conduct training activities
• Provide leadership and stability to teaching staff
• Provide constructive feedback and support, to include modeling, co-teaching, observing, provide reading materials or other resources as needed
• Assist in the development and implementation of program policies and procedures
• Meet with teachers using contemplative methods of support and feedback
• Provide written and verbal feedback to staff following coaching or training sessions
• Collect and analyze data, prepare, and maintain reports
• Document all services provided and reports submitted
• Monitor child outcomes in relation to school readiness goals
• Attend and/or conduct required meetings, pre-service and other training as directed
• Provide formal and/or informal learning opportunities to staff or parents
• Collaborate with LEARN’s administrative team to ensure licensing standards are met and for any special projects
• Implement child, teacher and environmental assessment tools designed for early learning programs
• Assist in identifying and maintaining professional development goals
• Apply, demonstrate and model developmentally appropriate practices for young children in the classroom, playground, and all care settings
• Other duties as assigned

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

Spending Authority: N/A

Other Authority: N/A

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of, and ability to stay current with childcare licensing standards, Early Learning Guidelines, and training opportunities listed locally and nationally
• Knowledge and familiarity with Southeast Alaska communities and cultures
• Understand and interpret early childhood assessment tools for young children, staff, and the classroom environment
• Problem-solve and exercise sound judgment and initiative
• Able to accommodate individuality and exhibit a flexible approach based on goals and available resources
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)

• Associate degree in Child Development, Early Education, or closely related field
• Two years related experience
• Driver’s license

• Must be able to gain Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification and Food Handler’s Card within 30 days of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education
• Three years’ experience as a childcare provider with an early childhood program that also offered parent/adult training opportunities

UNUSUAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS

• The majority of work is performed in a classroom or office setting, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 pounds
• Frequent classroom setting that requires kneeling, bending at waist and neck, and sitting on floor also frequent getting up and down from seat to assist children in classroom

CONDITIONS OF HIRE:

• All employment at Tlingit & Haida is “at will”. This means that the employee or Tlingit & Haida may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.
• Tlingit & Haida is a no tolerance workplace. All regular employees may be required to pass a pre-employment and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• Tlingit & Haida requires a criminal background check be conducted on all employees. All employment offers are conditional until federal criminal background check results verify your eligibility to work for Tlingit & Haida.