Education Coach

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission‑driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well‑being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data‑informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Education Coach is responsible for coordination of 0‑5 education services across program operations. Implements a strength‑based coaching model and addresses the training needs of Assistant Site Managers, teaching staff and home‑based staff; coordinates and evaluates disability services. The Education Coach must have a strong understanding of the program’s curriculum and relevant frameworks and standards, including the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, Illinois Early Learning Standards, CLASS, ITERS, ECERS, HOVRS, and developmental school readiness practice. The role ensures full compliance with NAEYC, DCFS, and Head Start Performance Standards.

• Coordinate 0‑5 education services across program operations.
• Implement a strength‑based coaching model and address training needs of Assistant Site Managers, teaching staff, and home‑based staff.
• Coordinate and evaluate disability services.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in early childhood and disseminate such knowledge by providing ongoing quality assistance to staff.
• Ensure implementation of educational plans, standards, and procedures consistent with Department of Children & Family Services, Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC accreditation standards, Illinois Learning Standards, and policies approved by Brightpoint’s Board of Trustees and Head Start Parent Policy Council.
• Disseminate information and resources related to early childhood to support teachers, home visitors, classrooms, and program quality improvement efforts.
• Ensure the implementation of program goals and objectives that are consistent with Early Head Start and Head Start.
• Support teaching staff and home‑based staff in providing environments and opportunities that promote child growth and development across all developmental domains.
• Assist teaching staff in structuring environments, routines, and interactions that contribute to positive social‑emotional outcomes for children and families.

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in Early Childhood Education or a related field (required); Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Special Education (preferred).
• Level 5 ECE Credential and Level 5 Infant/Toddler Credential (required to be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Preferred enhancing credentials: CLASS Reliable Observer for Infant, Toddler, and Pre‑K; familiarity with Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, Parents as Teachers, ITERS, and ECERS.
• Illinois Type 04 Certification (preferred).
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a classroom (required); experience in Head Start/Early Head Start, preferably in a multi‑site program (preferred).
• At least 2 years of training and/or coaching experience (strongly preferred).
• Ability to drive and access to a personal vehicle (required).
• Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish (preferred).

Salary range: $60,000 – $65,000 per year. Offers are commensurate with experience and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day (PTO increases with tenure); 11 paid holidays; supplemental insurance options; 401(k) with match.

Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Primary office will be the Mitzi Freidheim Child & Family Center, but locations can vary. Occasional travel required.

Full‑time, hourly; shifts may vary.