Early Childhood Instructional Coach - Kansas City, MO

As an Early Childhood Instructional Coach at Bright Horizons, your key responsibilities include leading a team to implement a high-quality curriculum tailored for child development. You'll be responsible for enhancing program delivery, mentoring new teachers, collaborating with families, and using educational assessment tools to foster an environment of learning and growth.

To qualify for the Early Childhood Instructional Coach role at Bright Horizons, candidates must possess a CDA and be on track to complete an associate degree. Preferred qualifications include an associate or higher degree in early childhood education or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of professional teaching experience in high-quality childcare environments.

Bright Horizons values the growth of its employees and offers numerous career development opportunities, including free college degrees through the Horizons CDA & Degree Program. As an Early Childhood Instructional Coach, you will have access to ongoing training and resources to continue your professional journey.

A typical day as an Early Childhood Instructional Coach at Bright Horizons involves a mix of in-person supervision of care delivery, engaging with teachers and children, creating and assessing curriculum, and facilitating family communications. You will also engage in administrative tasks and occasionally step in as a supervising caregiver if needed.

The starting salary for the Early Childhood Instructional Coach position at Bright Horizons is $44,000, with offers varying based on experience, education, and other relevant factors. Bright Horizons is committed to providing competitive compensation alongside a robust benefits package.

To effectively implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum, I would start by assessing the needs of the children and the teaching team. Collaborating with educators to develop lessons that cater to varied learning styles while aligning with early education standards is crucial. Engaging families in this process also fosters a supportive learning environment.

Mentoring new teachers involves providing hands-on guidance and constructive feedback. I would establish regular check-in meetings, model best practices in teaching, and encourage reflective practices. Providing resources and support helps to build their confidence and effectiveness in the classroom.

Building relationships with families begins with open communication. I would prioritize regular updates on children's progress, encourage family involvement in classroom activities, and be responsive to their concerns. Creating events that invite family participation fosters a strong community around the educational experience.

My experience with anti-bias education includes actively integrating principles into the curriculum and classroom discussions. I advocate for an inclusive learning environment where all children feel valued. Training educators on recognizing biases assists us in creating a positive and equitable learning atmosphere.

I utilize various assessment tools, including observational assessments, developmental checklists, and feedback from families and educators. These tools help identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement within the program, ensuring we continuously meet the needs of our children.

Handling conflicts among staff members requires addressing the issue directly and promptly. I would facilitate a meeting to allow each party to express their concerns while guiding them toward a constructive resolution. My goal would be to create an environment where collaboration and professionalism are prioritized.

My approach to professional development focuses on individualized learning plans. I encourage staff to identify their professional goals and provide access to resources, training, and mentorship that align with their aspirations and needs in early childhood education.

In a previous role, I collaborated with teachers to assess children's interests and developmental goals, leading to the integration of project-based learning into the curriculum. This approach allowed children to engage more deeply and meaningfully with the material, resulting in increased curiosity and participation.

To ensure all children's needs are met, I prioritize understanding each child's unique background, learning style, and interests. Implementing differentiated instruction, ongoing assessments, and fostering an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated helps all children thrive in the classroom.

My motivation as an Early Childhood Instructional Coach stems from seeing the positive impact on children's development and teachers' growth. Knowing I'm a catalyst for creating enriching educational experiences drives my passion for fostering a love of learning in both children and educators.