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Early Childhood Education Coach, Community of Practice

A community of practice (CoP) is a group of individuals who come together to pursue a shared purpose, exchange knowledge, and foster learning and change. For leaders of a given field, having a CoP to rely on can be an essential source of support, continuous development, and well-being.

In our case, this shared purpose is catalyzing excellence throughout our region’s early learning system so that all children and families, regardless of identity, have access to high quality, affordable education and care.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Coaches serve as a supportive resource for early childhood (ages 0-5) educators and program leaders, working to strengthen instructional practices and promote high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education across the region. ECE Coaches work directly alongside caregivers and teaching teams to guide, model, and reinforce Ideal Learning practices in multiple early childhood settings throughout the region. Through coaching, observation, modeling, and professional development, the ECE Coach helps improve educator practice and positive outcomes for young children.

This position will report to the Senior Director, Community of Practice. 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as collaborator and resource to early childhood (ages 0-5) educators and program leaders at Urban Sprouts, and with our community partners at sites across the 24:1 to support continuous quality improvement throughout the region

• Promote and support the implementation of Ideal Learning practices across diverse early childhood programs

• Conduct classroom observations and provide reflective, strengths- based feedback to educators

• Collect and analyze data to monitor individual teacher/program progress, evaluate coaching effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement

• Use coaching strategies to guide early childhood educators in planning, implementing, and refining curriculum and instructional practices; emphasis placed on addressing individual needs identified in program assessment tools

• Support early childhood educators in understanding child development and applying developmentally appropriate care and education

• Facilitate professional development opportunities, including trainings, workshops, and small group learning experiences to early childhood programs within the community

• Assist early childhood programs in aligning curriculum and teaching practices with best practices, standards, and program goals

• Build trusting relationships with early childhood educators and program leaders that encourage growth, reflection, and professional confidence

• Maintain documentation related to coaching activities, observations, and professional development outcomes

• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to support program-wide and regional early childhood initiatives

You might be a great fit for this work if you:

• Possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.

• Have 5+ years, hands-on experience as a lead teacher in early childhood (ages 0-5) classrooms and have a strong understanding of Constructivist, Developmentally Appropriate Practices (as identified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children - NAEYC)

• Possess prior experience in adult-based education, coaching, mentoring, and supporting early childhood educators in reflective and growth-focused ways

• Are comfortable working directly in classroom settings, modeling instructional strategies and engaging in observation and feedback

• Have experience working with diverse, urban early childhood communities and value culturally responsive and inclusive practices

• Are committed to equity and inclusion and intentionally center these principles in your work with early childhood educators, children, and families

• Enjoy building trusting relationships with educators from a variety of backgrounds and experiences

• Adapt to support various early childhood programs across multiple  sites

• Able and willing to travel between program locations throughout the region

• Are a strong communicator who approaches mentoring/coaching with empathy, professionalism, and collaboration

• Are passionate about strengthening early childhood education to improve outcomes for all children throughout the region

Compensation & Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.

Our generous benefits include:

• Medical Health Insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one year service anniversary

• Dental & Vision insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one year service anniversary

• Free snacks and beverages

• Free CPR/First Aid training as well as other trainings throughout the year

• 2 Paid Mental Health Days a year

• One Week of Paid Sick/Vacation time to start, Two Weeks after Two Years, Three Weeks after Five Years

• One Week of Paid Holiday Vacation time during our annual winter break

• One Week of Paid Holiday Vacation during our annual Spring break

• Three Day Paid Fall Break during Thanksgiving

• All Federal Holidays Paid, to include Juneteenth and MLK day

• Special Staff Appreciation Event in Summer (typically involving free travel)

• 403 B (comparable to 401K) retirement plan

The Classroom Teacher provides leadership within the classroom to ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment grounded in a Reggio Emilia–inspired philosophy. This role is responsible for curriculum design and implementation, classroom management, documentation of children’s learning, and fostering strong relationships with families. The Classroom Teacher serves as a facilitator of child-led inquiry and a collaborative partner to colleagues while advancing the mission and values of Urban Sprouts. This role reports directly to the Head of Pedagogy.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Classroom Operations

• Maintain at all times high-quality child care standards grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and aligned with the school’s philosophy and curriculum approach.

• Design and maintain an inviting, intentional classroom environment that reflects children’s interests and supports inquiry-based learning.

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all children, responding promptly and appropriately to incidents or concerns.

• Maintain child-to-staff ratios at all times and collaborate with leadership to ensure proper classroom coverage.

• Establish consistent classroom routines that promote independence, responsibility, and community.

• Support and lead with Co- Teacher(s) and support staff within the classroom.

• Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, and required documentation in accordance with licensing requirements.

Curriculum and Documentation

• Lead the development and implementation of emergent, project-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.

• Observe children closely and document learning through photographs, written reflections, and displays that make learning visible.

• Plan intentional provocations and experiences that extend children’s thinking and inquiry.

• Use assessment tools and documentation to inform instruction and individualize learning experiences.

• Collaborate with the pedagogical team to reflect on curriculum, plan next steps, and ensure alignment across classrooms.

• Participate in ongoing professional development to deepen understanding of child development and Reggio-inspired practice.

Family and Child Engagement

• Maintain strong, respectful, and consistent communication with families.

• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and share documentation of children’s growth and development.

• Support family engagement events and school-wide initiatives.

• Partner with families using strengths-based and culturally responsive practices.

• Collaborate with leadership and support staff when developmental or behavioral concerns arise.

Team Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Serve as a collaborative and supportive member of the teaching team.

• Model professionalism, reflective practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and school events.

• Support Assistant Teachers through mentorship, coaching, and clear communication.

• Maintain working knowledge of Missouri State Child Care Licensing regulations and NAEYC standards.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and sustainability of the program.

Farm to Table Integration

• Integrate garden, kitchen, and farm-to-table experiences into classroom learning when appropriate.

• Collaborate with kitchen and farm staff to extend seasonal programming into curriculum projects.

• Support children’s participation in food preparation, gardening, and related hands-on learning experiences while ensuring health and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an early childhood classroom setting. Experience leading a classroom or readiness to step into a lead educator role.

• Knowledge of or interest in the Reggio Emilia approach, emergent curriculum, and inquiry-based learning.

• Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.

• Commitment to reflective practice and professional growth.

Core Competencies and Expectations

• Demonstrates strong leadership within the classroom and fosters a collaborative team culture.

• Builds meaningful relationships with children and families.

• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively.

• Aligns daily practice with the mission, values, and philosophy of Urban Sprouts.

• Demonstrates curiosity, flexibility, and a deep respect for children as capable learners.

Urban Sprouts Child Development Center is looking for enthusiastic educators to join our support team that are as passionate as we are about developing the whole child. Self Motivated Team Players are needed! We are in need of part time floaters that can support with all age groups, give teachers time for lesson planning and coaching, breaks and closing classrooms.

Benefits & Perks for Part Time Staff

• Free Breakfast & Lunch, Snacks and Drinks

• Free Professional Development Courses

Requirements

· Must be 18 years of age or older - 16 & 17 year olds may apply, state licensing requirements are different and you would be considered a Junior Aide that would not be left alone in ratio with children.

· Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting

· The ability to meet state requirements for education and experience

About US

Urban Sprouts is a private non profit Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood center in the heart of University City. Our school is a joyful, encouraging, and diverse educational community that honors and empowers every aspect of children’s learning. Our goal is to support each child in her or his development as a socially capable, creative, and inspired citizen. We are NAEYC Accredited!

Urban Sprouts is a Reggio Inspired early childhood school that has adapted Reggio principles to fit within our own community. Children use A Hundred Languages to express themselves. Words, symbols, sounds, music, art, etc. It is through those languages we learn about our children and what is important to them.

The role of the Outdoor Learning Atelierista is to blend Reggio-inspired studio practice with quality outdoor learning pedagogy, Garden to Table programming and greenhouse stewardship. This role co-teaches with classroom teams, guiding children to investigate the outdoor environment, soil, seeds, seasons, food, and community through the “hundred languages” (clay, drawing, photography, cooking, sound, light, building, etc.). You will design project provocations in the outdoor/indoor classrooms, document learning, and ensure thriving, safe growing gardening spaces that feed our kitchen and curriculum.

This position reports directly to the Head of Pedagogy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs and maintains an organized, inspiring, and aesthetically appealing outdoor learning environment in coordination with the Pedagogical team.

• Works with groups of children in the outdoor (and indoor) spaces, facilitating and supporting small-group research, project work, and materials exploration.

• In partnership with the Pedagogical team, meets with classroom educators to plan, implement and support long-term, intentional research and project work.

• Actively documents and interprets children’s learning processes, making learning visible through written narratives, photographs, videos, etc. 

• Exhibits a strong commitment to ongoing professional development by reading current publications, attending workshops, and actively participating in a network of Reggio-inspired educators.

• Joins pedagogical meetings to support the team with documentation and ongoing studies.

• Creates and executes year-round planting plans (bed rotations, seed starts, succession planting, harvest schedules).

• Maintains healthy systems: soil building, composting, irrigation, tool care, and seasonal greenhouse operations.

• Implements child-safe Integrated Pest Management (IPM); keep spaces clean, labeled, and inviting.

• Coordinate volunteers/families for garden workdays; track tasks and supplies.

• Coordinates Garden to Table program to integrate harvests into snacks/meals and tasting labs.

• Leads child-friendly food prep experiences in collaboration with our Garden to Table initiatives, with appropriate child interactions and modeling strong hygiene. Tracks yields and aligns plantings to menu needs and seasonal events.

• Uphold supervision ratios, allergy and anaphylaxis protocols, sanitation and tool safety, and all state/licensing rules.

• Model inclusive practices; ensure accessibility of spaces/materials for all children.

• Maintain required certifications and incident/maintenance logs.

• Build partnerships with local farms, garden clubs, and supply donors.

Compensation & Benefits:

Pay Range: $40,000-$50,000; Salary commensurate with experience and education.

M-F; Typical hours 7:30am - 4:15pm

Our generous benefits include:

• Eligibility to participate in our Teacher Housing program

• Medical Health Insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one-year service anniversary

• Dental & Vision insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one-year service anniversary

• Free snacks and beverages

• Free CPR/First Aid training as well as other trainings throughout the year

• 2 Paid Mental Health Days a year

• All Federal Holidays Paid, to include Juneteenth and MLK day

• Special Staff Appreciation Event in Summer (typically involving free travel)*eligible after one year anniversary

• 403 B (comparable to 401K) retirement plan

 Paid Time Off (PTO):

• 5 weeks of PTO starting at year one 

• 7 weeks after 2 years 

• 8 weeks after 5 years 

*This total PTO includes several pre-scheduled breaks throughout the year:

• 1 week Spring Break (March) 

• 2 weeks Winter Break (December/January) 

• 1 week Summer Break (July) 

*Flexible PTO for personal use:

• 1 week in your first year (starts after first 30 days)

• 2 weeks after your second year 

• 3 weeks after your third year