Program Mentor Educator
hace 7 días
Seattle
Job Description General Job Description: The Program Mentor plays a critical leadership role in supporting high-quality teaching and learning across Hilltop’s licensed early learning program. This position is rooted in daily classroom presence, where Mentors observe, coach, and collaborate with educators to strengthen reflective practice, curriculum design, and family engagement. Program Mentors contribute to professional development efforts, facilitate weekly team meetings, and support documentation, child development, and classroom culture. They serve as a vital bridge between Hilltop’s pedagogical vision and its daily implementation, working in partnership with faculty, Program Coordinators, and Senior Managers. Success in this role requires strong relationship-building, skillful coaching, and a deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and continuous learning. DCYF Role Requirements: Employment is contingent upon maintaining compliance with all Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing requirements, including but not limited to background checks, MERIT account maintenance, and completion of required training, such as Safe Sleep, Mandated Reporter, and Emergency Preparedness. Employees must meet the educational qualifications for their role, including holding a Full State Certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or higher. If an employee’s degree is unrelated to ECE, they must follow a professional development plan to meet state requirements. Staff are expected to: Be familiar with WAC codes for licensed childcare centers in Washington. Regularly update and maintain their MERIT account (Managed Education and Registry Information Tool) with all training and certifications required by licensing. Maintain current certifications in First Aid/CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Food Handling. Complete all required DCYF training within the designated timeframes. Role and Responsibilities: The Program Mentor is a pedagogical leader who partners closely with faculty, children, and families to elevate reflective practice, strengthen team collaboration, and advance Hilltop’s educational values in everyday classroom life. Mentorship and Pedagogical Leadership Build strong, learning-focused relationships with educators through regular classroom presence and reflective conversations. Model equitable, inclusive teaching practices and foster anti-bias, anti-racist approaches to curriculum, environment, and family engagement. Facilitate weekly planning meetings with teaching teams, focusing on curriculum design, documentation, and child-centered practices. Guide educators in developing culturally responsive, relationship-based approaches to family communication and learning partnerships. Support continuity across learning communities through cross-pod collaboration, helping educators align their work with Hilltop’s pedagogical vision. Faculty Development and Coaching Provide strengths-based coaching aligned with each educator’s professional growth plan. Conduct classroom observations and offer regular feedback through informal check-ins and formal performance evaluations. Contribute to the design and implementation of professional development opportunities, including reflective practice groups and Communities of Practice. Collaborate with Program Coordinators and Senior Managers to support faculty onboarding, mentorship, and growth plans. Participate in and facilitate Outreach Institute trainings and ensure educators in assigned communities are actively engaged in ongoing learning. Child Development and Classroom Support Observe and document children’s learning to support individualized approaches and team reflection. Assist educators with implementing child assessments, including the ASQ and Washington State Early Learning Guidelines. Collaborate with families to ensure a strengths-based, culturally affirming approach to child development and classroom culture. Support educators in understanding developmental milestones and designing learning environments that reflect children’s identities and interests. Communication and Collaboration Contribute to internal communication systems and help ensure families receive meaningful, consistent updates on their child’s learning and classroom experiences. Participate in cross-team collaboration efforts, including program-wide initiatives, family engagement events, and school-wide storytelling. Maintain open and supportive communication with Program Coordinators, the Outreach Institute, and Senior Managers to ensure alignment across leadership. Help resolve conflicts or concerns with professionalism and care, promoting team well-being and positive work culture. Attend family and fundraising events, including one Parent’s Night Out event per year (on a Saturday), two community held events, and participate in the annual carnival. Professional Growth and Organizational Engagement Participate in administrative team meetings and program planning to support alignment between classroom practice and organizational goals. Attend at least 3 events through the Hilltop Educator Institute each year and engage in additional learning opportunities as needed. Commit to ongoing self-reflection, cultural humility, and anti-bias/anti-racist development in all aspects of your work. Support family and community engagement by attending at least one Parent’s Night Out (Saturday), two community events, and the annual Hilltop carnival Competencies, Skills, and Physical Requirements The Mentor Educator role requires a balance of relational, reflective, and practical capacities to support faculty development, maintain program integrity, and foster an inclusive and equitable learning environment for children and adults. Core Competencies Equity and Ethics - Demonstrates cultural humility and a deep commitment to anti-bias/anti-racist education. Upholds professional boundaries and confidentiality. Promotes inclusive, ethical, and respectful workplace practices. Leadership and Coaching - Guides faculty through reflective practice, modeling curiosity and growth. Provides clear, supportive feedback and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and ongoing learning. Dependability and Integrity - Follows through on commitments, communicates proactively, and meets deadlines. Shows consistency in words and actions, even during times of uncertainty or change. Initiative and Purpose-Driven Thinking - Seeks opportunities to improve systems and supports. Makes decisions aligned with Hilltop’s mission and long-term goals. Anticipates needs and acts with intention. Relational Skills and Conflict Resolution - Builds trust through active listening, vulnerability, and honest dialogue. Navigates challenges with care, clarity, and a commitment to repair and growth. Adaptability and Grounded Decision-Making - Remains calm, flexible, and solution-focused in a dynamic environment. Makes decisions with an understanding of context, equity, and collective impact. Collaboration and Organizational Stewardship - Works effectively across teams and roles. Models professionalism and inclusivity. Helps sustain a positive, reflective, and mission-aligned organizational culture. Professional Skills Deep knowledge of child development, early learning frameworks, and pedagogical practices rooted in relationships, play, and identity. Experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising educators in ways that center trust and reflection. Strong facilitation and communication skills, including leading team meetings and offering feedback with clarity and compassion. Proficiency with administrative tools and digital platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Brightwheel, ADP, and MERIT. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, track documentation, and support program compliance across a large and complex center. Familiarity with child assessment tools (e.g., ASQ), curriculum implementation, and documentation of learning through stories and observations. Physical Requirements Ability to move frequently throughout the center, including navigating stairs and transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments. Capacity to respond promptly in emergencies and remain onsite during licensing visits or urgent program needs. Occasional participation in events involving moderate physical activity, such as setting up for family events or supporting community walks. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds as needed (e.g., materials, equipment, or documentation tools).