"Early Childhood Mentor Coordinator (for the RI Early Childhood Education & Training Program)"

Job Summary

To mentor students who are actively enrolled in the RI Early Childhood Education and Training Program (RIECETP) as well as Child Development Associate Candidates (CDA).

Department Summary

The purpose of the CCRI Department of Human Services is to teach students to function as competent, ethical Human Services practitioners and educators prepared to fill a variety of entry-level positions in a diverse society, well-equipped to pursue a Baccalaureate degree in their chosen profession. Each concentration is designed to facilitate professional development and job market preparation, balanced with courses that reflect the more traditional requirements for a well-rounded liberal arts education.

The Rhode Island Early Childhood Education and Training Program (RIECETP) is a comprehensive and unique program that strengthens the knowledge and skills of both seasoned and novice early childhood educators through supportive mentoring, coaching, cohort-based learning, and formal academic coursework.

This position will work out of the Warwick campus as well as childcare centers.

This position is grant-funded and limited to 06/30 with the possibility of extension.

Duties and Responsibilities

Commitment to CCRI’s Mission

• Demonstrate commitment to the community college mission and its diverse student populations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college.
• Work collaboratively with others in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Work collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered environment, with students of various learning styles, cultures, identities, and life experiences.

RIECETP Program Support

• To achieve the goal of creating a collaborative and constructive relationship that increases the skillfulness of the student and the quality of the early care and learning experience of the children in the mentee’s care. Observe mentee/mentees and provide feedback at a minimum of every three weeks.
• Collaborate with Program Coordinator about all aspects of the RIECETP program.
• Formally observe mentee/mentees in the classroom setting and meet during a time of "non-childcare duties" for one hour per month or more if deemed necessary.
• Incorporate topics such as child growth and development, curriculum, environment and best practices. Provide early childhood resources to mentors to assist in supporting students.
• Develop a relationship with center director or supervisors to provide ongoing communication regarding the mentee’s progress, and to offer any additional support and guidance to the mentee that the center director or supervisor may identify.
• Mentors will encourage and continuously support the mentee/mentees in identifying and implementing best practices using reflective practice, academic support, planning, and discussion of the connection between coursework and classroom practice.
• Mentors will attend monthly meetings with the Program Coordinator to discuss student progress, recommendations, etc.
• Maintain mentee reports monthly, plan of action, recommendations and act as a liaison, advocate, and resource person for their mentees.
• Assist mentees in developing effective self-advocacy and leadership skills.
• Active and continuous participation in professional development.
• Assist in recruitment of grant students and center-based and family home care providers.
• Assist in recruitment of Child Development Associate candidates.
• Demonstrate commitment to the community college mission and its diverse student populations.
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working with students, colleagues and the early childhood community.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college.
• Work collaboratively with others in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Work collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered environment, with students of various learning styles, cultures, identities, and life-experiences.
• Assist in putting together both CDA and RIECETP student materials.
• Assist in distributing materials, e-books, and textbooks to the students.

Teamwork/Collaboration Skills

• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator about all aspects of the RIECETP program.
• Communicate with the Academic Mentor about any student needs.
• Meet regularly with mentors to collaborate and support their work with students.
• Assist in reviewing and processing all RIECETP applications.
• Assist in the recruitment of Child Development Associate candidates.
• Support the RIECETP team in completing tasks or projects as needed.

Computer Skills/Expertise

• Working Knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

Recruitment and Availability

• Must be able to work a flexible calendar year schedule, including evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Participate in active and continuous professional development related to role and responsibility.
• Assist in RIECETP grant-related activities, such as recruitment, orientation, and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certification in Early Childhood Education - Pre K to Grade 2 or bachelor’s in early childhood education
• Completion of RIELDS Level II
• At least 3 years of mentoring and coaching experience required with adults.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the DHS Office of Child Care rules and regulations, DHS ECE licensing standards, RI QRIS, IPDP development, RI ECE workforce pathways, and supports, including PD and TA resources and the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program.
• Travel to multi-campus locations, center-based and family home care providers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s in Early Childhood Education