Head Start Child Coach

Head Start Child Coach

The Head Start Child Coach at CHCCAA plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to expand opportunities and build self-sufficiency for our community members. This position is responsible for providing individualized, developmentally appropriate coaching and support to young children enrolled in the Head Start program. This position focuses on enhancing each child's growth across developmental domains, with special attention to social-emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills.

Working in close partnership with classroom and family support staff, the Child Coach helps children overcome developmental challenges, build self-regulation skills, and reach school readiness goals. Through direct interaction, observation, and child-centered interventions, the Child Coach plays a vital role in creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where all children can thrive. The ideal candidate will use their skills to embody our values and contribute to our vision of a thriving, self-sufficient community.

Essential Job Functions:

• Child Development Support
• Behavioral and Emotional Support
• Family Engagement
• Observations and Assessments
• Classroom and Curriculum Support
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Professional Development

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:

Passion for service to the community

Compassion for others – empathy, respect, caring, kindness

Collaboration and teamwork

Commitment to continuous improvement

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:

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,…