Head Start Education Coach

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

What You'll Do

The Education Coach plays a critical role in supporting the mission of Head Start to promote school readiness and the overall development of young children. This position works closely with the Education Coordinator, Center Director, and ISD leadership to analyze assessment data, develop individualized instruction plans, and ensure all children, including those with disabilities, receive high-quality learning experience. The Education Coach provides ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development for teaching staff using a practice-based coaching model to foster their growth in curriculum planning, child assessment, and classroom management. The coach collaborates with various program areas, including special programs, mental health services, and family support teams, to address the diverse needs of children and maintain a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment.   

Responsibilities

• Work with Education Coordinator, Center Director, and teaching staff to analyze performance-based assessment data and utilize results to plan individualized instruction for children 

• Coordinate timely identification, referral, and transition support for children with disabilities, ensuring the full inclusion of these children in Early Head Start and Head Start programs 

• Collaborate with special programs, mental health professionals, and teaching staff to identify children with disabilities through the screening and referral process, ensuring appropriate accommodations are made 

• Work closely with leadership and teaching staff to ensure full implementation of the school readiness program, including record keeping, reporting, transitions, student portfolios, and ongoing monitoring 

• Track child outcomes, analyze data related to school readiness goals, and provide recommendations for program development and instructional improvements based on the findings 

• Provide consultation to Center Director, ISD leadership, and teaching staff on differentiated instruction strategies for all children, including those with IEP/IFSP and children with challenging behaviors 

• Ensure adherence to company policies, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations; maintain a safe and nurturing environment for children, supporting their overall well-being 

• Conduct CLASS observations and provide feedback to teachers, identifying areas of improvement and offering professional development opportunities based on the observations 

• Actively address concerns with program staff, working collaboratively with supervisors to resolve issues related to classroom management, child health and safety, child development, and other areas requiring intervention 
• Provide practice-based coaching to teachers using models such as PBC, T-TESS, PLCs, and others; develop individualized coaching plans based on assessment data and ensure continuous professional development for staff through mentoring and training 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
• Two (2) years’ experience teaching in an early childhood program 
• Strong understanding of child development and evidence-based instructional strategies 
• Willing to obtain CLASS certification within six (6) months of hire and T-TESS certification within one (1) year of hire
• Ability to provide professional development and coaching to early childhood educators 
• Valid Texas Driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; ability to meet Agency insurance provider guidelines as an insured and approved driver 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
• Texas Teaching Certificate EC-4 and Early Childhood Endorsement
• Five (5) years’ experience teaching in Head Start or Prekindergarten program or with similar learning readiness programs in a public school  
• Familiarity with coaching models suc
• Background in Special Education/Inclusion

Travel  

The travel percentage for the Education Coach typically ranges from 25% to 75%, depending on program size, number of sites, and regional needs: 

• Frequent local travel between Head Start centers and campus sites 
• Occasional regional/statewide travel for training, conferences, and meetings 
• Limited overnight travel may be required for professional development event 

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.