Lead Educator

Position OverviewThe Lead Educator provides high-quality coaching, mentoring, guided reflection, and modeling to Head Start and Early Head Start classroom staff. The Lead Educator supports best practices related to early learning, classroom quality, and the development of young children. A core responsibility of this role is to promote and ensure child health and safety in all learning environments, helping staff maintain physical and emotional well-being for children. The Lead Educator ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, RCCDC policies, and applicable licensing regulations, including areas such as behavior management, hygiene practices, classroom safety, emergency preparedness, and supervision procedures.Minimum QualificationsAssociate's Degree in Child Development or a related fieldFour years of Early Childhood Education teaching experienceAbility to obtain CLASS Observer CertificationExperience with Curriculum implementation and assessment systemsEssential Duties and Responsibilities:Coaching & MentorshipProvide on-the-job coaching and classroom modeling focused on developmentally appropriate instruction and child health and safety best practicesPlan, facilitate, and model high-quality instruction aligned with program goals and curriculum standards, while developing individualized mentoring plans in partnership with Center Managers and Instruction and Invention Managers.Promote and monitor safe, healthy classroom environmentsRespond immediately to health, safety, or behavioral incidents using RCCDC's protocols for reporting and documentationCoach staff in areas of:Safe behavior guidanceEmergency response (e.g., fire drills, illness isolation, shelter-in-place)Safe classroom layouts and materials organization to prevent injuryEnsure staff understand and implement child health and safety policies through ongoing professional developmentEnsure compliance with RCCDC policies, licensing regulations, and Head Start standards.Coach and mentor educators through feedback, co-teaching, observation, and professional learning.Child Health & Safety Monitoring and ComplianceRegularly inspect classroom and outdoor environments to identify and correct health or safety hazardsMonitor staff compliance with hygiene routines, including handwashing, diapering, toileting, food handling, and sanitizationReview incident and accident reports to ensure timely, accurate documentation and follow-upReinforce procedures for safe release of children to authorized individualsBehavioral Support & Classroom StrategiesMentor teaching teams in creating emotionally safe, nurturing, and consistent environmentsGuide staff in the use of positive behavior support strategies that prioritize emotional regulation and child safetyUse trauma-informed approaches, including Conscious Discipline, to de-escalate behavior and maintain a safe classroom climateProvide coaching around supervision transitions (e.g., mealtimes, outdoor play, nap time) to reduce risk and promote child securityEvaluation & AssessmentConduct site visits and classroom observations to assess:Adherence to health and safety policiesImplementation of developmentally appropriate curriculumTeacher-child interactions, including CLASS-based assessmentsProvide actionable feedback and support staff in meeting school readiness and safety-related goalsTraining & Resource DevelopmentDesign and lead staff training sessions focused on child development and child health and safetyContribute to the development and regular review of health and safety policies and proceduresProvide families with resources and strategies to support child safety and well-being at homeCommunication & PartnershipCollaborate with staff and families to ensure a holistic approach to child wellness and safetyMaintain open, respectful, and confidential communication with staff and familiesPromote a culture of safety, respect, and positivity across all RCCDC programsGeneral DutiesAssist in maintaining safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environmentsEncourage and help document in-kind contributions, including supplies or services that support health and safetyAttend and participate in agency-wide meetings, professional development, and emergency drillsPerform other duties as assigned, particularly those related to safety or child well-beingKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge of Child Health & Safety Standards, Early Childhood Education and Developmentally Appropriate Practices, including Conscious Discipline and positive behavior supportEffective classroom management and instructional planningKnowledge of early childhood education principles and developmentally appropriate practicesFamiliarity with Head Start Performance Standards, Louisiana Bulletin 137, and RCCDC policiesExperience with behavior guidance strategies, such as Conscious DisciplineProficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic data systems, and communication platformsEffective coaching, leading, mentoring, and adult learning facilitation skillsAbility to navigate and resolve stressful or sensitive situations professionally and with emotional intelligenceUnderstanding of child developmentSpecial ConsiderationsEmployees within this classification are required to:Obtain a Louisiana Child Care Criminal Background Check Determination of EligibilityPass a physical examination every three yearsMaintain a valid driver's license and an insurable driving recordBe physically able to:Sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.Sit on the floor and engage in play with childrenWork in varied environments including noisy, warm, or outdoor settingsTravel for home visits, training, and between agency sitesAdhere to consistent child supervision and safety policies, even in high-stress or emergency situationsFollow procedures for documentation and response related to accidents, injuries, illnesses, and behavioral incidents