Head Start Child Coach

Essential job functions

• 1. Child Development Support
• Promote the healthy development of young children by supporting teaching staff in implementing developmentally appropriate practices that align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Provide individualized and small-group coaching sessions with children to support growth in areas such as language, motor skills, cognitive development, and social interaction.
• Use developmentally appropriate practices and play-based techniques to reinforce skills and learning objectives.
• Monitor each child’s progress toward developmental milestones and support school readiness goals through direct interaction.

• 2. Behavioral and Emotional Support
• Build trusting, consistent relationships with children to support self-regulation, emotional expression, and resilience.
• Implement individualized behavior support strategies in coordination with classroom staff and specialists.
• Support children experiencing behavioral challenges by providing calming techniques, conflict resolution modeling, and emotional coaching.
• Assist teachers in proactively managing challenging behaviors through observation, modeling, and feedback on effective techniques.
• Collaborate with mental health staff and other specialists to support children with behavioral or emotional concerns.

• 3. Family Engagement
• Build strong, supportive relationships with family service staff, ensuring regular communication and participation in the child’s learning journey.
• Partner with teachers and family service staff to understand each child’s unique needs, strengths, and background.
• Share strategies and tools to reinforce developmental and emotional goals at home.
• Participate in family conferences and home visits as appropriate to support a strong home-school connection.
• Promote culturally responsive practices that respect and incorporate family values, languages, and traditions.

• 4. Observations and Assessments
• Observe children in the classroom setting to identify developmental strengths and areas for support.
• Assist in the completion of developmental screenings and assessments, including social-emotional tools.
• Maintain documentation of coaching sessions, progress notes, and observation records for each child served.

• 5. Classroom and Curriculum Support
• Collaborate with teachers to align individual child coaching with classroom learning activities. Assist with the implementation of age-appropriate, culturally responsive curriculum.
• Support inclusive classroom environments by helping children with specific needs participate fully in daily routines and learning experiences.
• Introduce materials and activities that enhance developmental skill-building within the classroom setting. Promote activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and learning through play.

• 6. Collaboration and Teamwork
• Work closely with teachers, family service workers, and mental health and disabilities specialists to develop and implement individualized support plans.
• Participate in case reviews, child study teams, and interdisciplinary planning meetings.
• Contribute insights on child behavior and development to help guide holistic support strategies.

• 7. Professional Development
• Engage in ongoing professional learning related to child development, trauma-informed care, positive behavior support, and early childhood intervention.
• Stay up to date on Head Start Performance Standards and best practices in early childhood coaching.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Additionally, CAA management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Qualifications: And requirements

Required Education, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work or a related field
• At least three (3) years of experience working with young children in early childhood education, with direct classroom experience required; experience in a Head Start setting is preferred
• Deep understanding of child development and early learning best practices
• Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and child assessment/data systems

Skills and Competencies

• Strong coaching, mentoring, and adult learning skills
• Ability to build trusting relationships and provide constructive feedback
• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills
• Required Job Competencies

CAA Core Competencies

• Passion for service to the community
• Compassion for others – empathy, respect, caring, kindness
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Position-Specific Competencies

• Ability to assess needs, develop individualized coaching plans, and monitor progress
• Analytical skills - able to compile, assess and act on data
• Communication – able to effectively exchange information with others through verbal, nonverbal, and written methods
• Customer service - willingness and ability to provide high-quality support, assistance and solutions wherever needed
• Interpersonal - can effectively interact, communicate and build positive relationships with others
• Listening – active and empathetic listener with the patience to hear people out and understand their needs or concerns, even when they are under stress
• Organization – able to multi-task, prioritize work and meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Problem-solving - can effectively recognize, assess and resolve issues

Other Requirements

• A valid driver's license and valid automobile insurance must be maintained.
• Must have reliable Wi-Fi access to support remote work as needed.
• Must pass a background screening and have a current physical

Working conditions and physical requirements

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

• Work Location – Main office is 1740 Langdon Farm Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, but will be required to travel to different Head Start centers and occasional travel to meet with families or partner agencies.
• Work Hours – generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with flexibility to support some evening or weekend availability as needed.
• Onsite work is in an office and early education classroom environment
• This position is eligible for remote work up to two days per week, defined by department schedules, assuming all eligibility and performance criteria are met and maintained. Hybrid work is not guaranteed and may be withdrawn or changed at management discretion.
• Planned and unplanned travel to and from Head Start Center and other C-HCCAA or meeting/conference locations, including overnight and/or out of town travel may be required

Physical Requirements

• Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment
• Walk, bend, kneel, and reach
• Lift a 20-60 lb. child, using all safety precautions
• Stand, sit, and play with infants and toddlers for long periods of time
• Conduct both outdoor and indoor activities, in both warm and cold temperatures
• Talk, hear, and communicate with parents
• See and be able to read, write, and interpret written documents

The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Functions, Qualifications, Requirements and Physical Demands listed in this job description represent the essential functions of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The listed Job Functions do not necessarily include all activities that the incumbent may perform.

Your employment with the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency is entered into voluntarily or “at-will,” meaning that both you and the employer may end the employment relationship with or without reason, cause or notice unless otherwise prohibited by law. You are free to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause. Similarly, C-HCCAA has the right to terminate the employee’s employment, or otherwise alter an employee’s position, duties, title or compensation at any time, with or without cause or notice. Therefore, the only employment relationship that exists is one terminable at will by either the employee or C‑HCCAA.

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