Early Learning Mentor Coach Project

      
In Fall 2010, as a result of a competitive grant process, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services awarded $225,000 to Champlain Valley Head Start for an Early Learning Mentor Coach project.  The project period is 9/29/2010 through 2/28/2012.  

The ELMC project has enabled CVHS to contract with four highly accomplished consultants, each with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related education field, to serve as Early Learning Mentor Coaches for the Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden and Addison County region.  Together, the Coaches work to enhance the practice and professional development of 28 Head Start / Early Head Start teaching staff, seven Head Start / Early Head Start home visitors, and approximately 65 collaborative teaching staff at 21 Head Start / Early Head Start sites. 

The objectives of the project are for the Coaches:

1)  to improve the quality of CVHS teaching practices;

2)  to assist CVHS to promote positive, significant and sustained outcomes for children; and   

3)  to promote career development for CVHS teaching staff.

As a result of this grant project, Coaches are now providing: ongoing classroom observations; follow-up reflection meetings with staff; individual and small group meetings regarding curriculum development, classroom environment and program organization; and one-on-one guidance around professional development and goal setting.  Through this support, CVHS and collaborative staff are enrolled in course work necessary for a Child Development Associate credential or advanced degree, VT Teacher re-licensure, and/or a second endorsement on an existing teaching license.  Additionally, Coaches have been instrumental in significantly enhancing classroom environments, improving teacher-child interactions, and enhancing curriculum around language and literacy, with a focus on children’s school-readiness.