POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  Education Mentor        SALARY RANGE: 9

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:                  WORK STATION:

Education, Special Needs Manager

SUPERVISES:                             

NA

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Mentor Teacher works with education staff to support them in effectively developing appropriate environments and curriculum, and planning educational experiences for children ages 0-5.  The Mentor Teacher will model, consult and provide guidance and resources to the education staff, in a team approach with the Head Start Education Manager, Early Head Start Education Manager, and Professional Development Manager.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. The mentor teacher is based at a Head Start site, yet may travel to any of the Head Start/Early Head Start centers in the seven county areas.
2. Work involves the responsibility for training individual teachers and assistants in planning,

developing, and implementing the Head Start/Early childhood education program 

3. Allow teachers and other education staff to observe the mentor and other classroom staff, and lead discussions on what was demonstrated.
4. Gives guidance and ideas regarding classroom/time management, discipline, scheduling, planning, and organizing the day.
5. Assists teachers and assistants in analyzing and arranging the physical environment of the Head Start classroom.
6. Offers support to teachers and assistants by listening and sharing own experiences.
7. Utilizes leadership style that is developmentally appropriate for individual teachers and other education staff.
8. Models professionalism for staff such as working cooperatively with peers and continuing  own professional development.
9. Observes teaching staff and shares observations and recommendations with Education Manager and Site Supervisor.
10. Documents training and assistance provided
11. Assist with orientation, observation and training in Conscious Discipline social/emotional curriculum with staff.  
12. Work with Education Team to follow up on referrals/recommendations for education staff.
13. Assist with educational observations and provide information to Education Team.
14. In consultation with the Education Team, provide mentoring, coaching, guidance and direction for Education staff in the performance of their duties in the classroom or home visits.  
15. Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency utilizing TS Gold and other program systems and assist with technical assistance for education staff.  
16. Assist with pre- and in-service training.
17. Participate in Early/Head Start training and career development activities.
18. Perform additional related duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Baccalaureate degree in early childhood education
2. At least five years of experience teaching in a preschool, classroom based setting.
3. Child development Associate credential (CDA)
4. Experience working with adults in a coaching capacity and the ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.  
5. Proficient in the use and computer and related information technologies.
6. Ability to obtain and maintain status of reliability using the CLASS tool.  
7. Knowledge of infant/toddler and preschool curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, screening and assessment tools, and high quality early childhood education.  
8. Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
9. Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug testing.
10. Ability to keep accurate records.
11. Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws governing facilities for licensed day care facilities, including fire/safety and sanitation.
12. Ability to obtain knowledge of the purpose, goals and objectives of the Head Start Program.

I accept the duties and responsibilities as outlined in this position description. This position is not exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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Signature of Employee Date

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Signature of Supervisor/Mentor Date of Orientation