Education Resource Mentor

| JOB TITLE: | Education Resource Mentor
| WORK LOCATION: | Central Administration
| PROGRAM: | Head Start
| FLSA CLASSIFICATION: | Non-Exempt
| DEPARTMENT: | Education
| EMPLOYMENT STATUS: | Regular, Full Time
| REPORTS TO: Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator
SUPERVISES: | None
| WORKING HOURS: | Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
| STARTING PAY RANGE: | TBD

General Description
This position is primarily responsible for implementing curriculum and support services related to the Birth-to-Five Head Start Performance Standards. The Education Resource Mentor is assigned to the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program and is a member of the content area for the Educational Department.

Essential Duties


Provides support for the Centers and to educational staff in the implementation of a whole language program and instruction strategies.

As a mentor in the classroom one will do planning that initiates appropriate activities that support the written goals and objectives of the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program and will also comply with state and federal requirements.

Requires observing and assessing the classroom activities in the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program while working side by side with the Education Coach Coordinator & Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator.

Serves as a classroom mentor to staff in the development of a core literacy and curriculum program that promotes phonemic, print and numerical awareness that increases the early literacy experiences of Birth-to-Five Head Start children.

Assumes responsibility for the preparation, implementation, and coordination of the child development program for infants and toddlers, and pre-school.

Plans and collaborates with the staff for assuring positive outcomes using the Head Start Child Development Early Learning Framework and the Framework for Programs serving Infants/Toddlers and their families.

Coordinates and collaborates with the Education Coach Coordinator for center-based instruction strategies.

Serves as a mentor and trainer in the classroom with the coordination of an effective early childhood, whole language education program.

Mentors, coaches, trains, and guides the teachers and families within the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program.

Provides support to services that enrich the Birth-to-Five Head Start literacy program.

Conducts follow-up sessions with teachers to discuss/clarify strategies presented in staff development and classroom demonstrations.
Ensures implementation of effective professional development and curriculum materials.
Oversees and monitors project initiatives and submits required reports.
Monitors a Lending Library that will be a take-home for Birth-to-Five Head Start parents and their children.

Acquires training and support during the year.

Implements evaluative measures to assess the overall effectiveness of the project (e.g. CLASS, PIR, ongoing assessment).

Assures that classroom materials and supplies are available to carry out the literacy strategies.

Able to enhance teaching techniques that applies to all children including those with special needs (helps with behavior management).

Conducts a Classroom Observation Checklist, twice a year, for the teachers only and then discusses and review issues facing the center or staff, submits report via data base.

Travels to seminars and meetings as directed.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Education Coach Coordinator, Executive Director that benefit the Department and/or Agency.

Minimum Qualifications


Education and Experience:

1. An Associates Degree or higher Early Childhood, and
2. One (1) years experience in an early childhood setting.
3. Must successfully complete and maintain the following permits and certifications:
   1. Food handler's permit - will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
   2. First Aid/CPR certification; will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Demonstrates effective leadership, management, and training skills.
2. Articulates the agency's mission, instructional philosophy, and curriculum implementation strategies.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of early childhood curriculum and instruction, including appropriate strategies, student assessments and available resources.
4. Leads, motivates and involves others in a cooperative effort to produce and implement quality instructional programs.
5. Performs job duties in a precise, thorough, and meticulous manner, when necessary will work prolonged or irregular hour to see a task completed.
6. Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills towards all Agency staff and the general public.
7. Must be able to occasionally travel overnight to meetings, training and workshops.
8. Must have strong organizational skills and be able to work independently.
9. Works cooperatively with all project and Agency staff.
10. Demonstrate use of appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
11. Ensures and demonstrates computer skills and e-mail to communicate and research the internet on issues related to instructional activities.
12. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Special Requirements

1. Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test, physical and functional capacity evaluation prior to first day of employment
2. Must successfully pass and submit a pre-employment TB test and periodically as indicated by the regional Texas Department of State Health Services or local health authority.
3. Requires a valid Texas Driver's License and liability insurance. Driving record is subject to review and approval by agency insurance carrier.
4. Must have transportation and current liability coverage on vehicle to be used in the performance of job duties. Some out of town travel may be required.
5. Proof of work eligibility must be provided.
6. Must maintain CLASS observer Reliability and ITERS standing.

Physical Demands

1. Normal physical activity includes sitting, standing, and walking in a usual workday.
2. Requires occasional twisting at a desk when answering phone or typing.
3. Requires occasional lifting and carrying of boxes of supplies less than 20 lbs.
4. Requires use of the five senses (hearing, seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting) to perform various job duties and in dealing with staff, and clients.
5. Requires employee to use hands, arms, feet, legs, neck and head while performing Agency tasks.
6. Requires occasional bending, stooping, and reaching above shoulder level when operating copier and when retrieving files from file cabinet drawers.
7. Requires replacing toner cartridges and paper trays to copier.
8. Requires frequent speaking and listening abilities with staff, co-workers, parents, supervisor and parents/volunteers--must be able to hear a child cry out when in pain, injured, or ill.