ELEVATE Team Descriptions
DECCD Coaches
Coaches will support early childhood teachers in delivering high-quality, meaningful learning experiences, interactions, and instruction by utilizing core coaching competencies. Through individualized Technical Assistance, coaches will link child development information with best practices in the classroom, enhancing children’s learning experiences and outcomes.
DECCD Observers
The observer will conduct classroom-based observations to assess the quality of teacher-child interactions using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). They will conduct observations of the teaching and learning environment and provide constructive feedback that promotes practitioners’ growth and development, ultimately leading to better learning experiences for children.
DECCD Business Advisor
The business advisor will provide training and technical assistance to directors of child care centers. This one-on-one support is tailored to meet the specific needs of each director. Through this assistance, the advisor will offer guidance to optimize operations and enhance financial health and overall sustainability. This includes helping centers navigate challenges related to staffing, budgeting, marketing, and growth strategies.
MDE PDG Coaches
The PDG Early Childhood Education Coach (ECEC) will provide services on behalf of the Mississippi Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Early Childhood (OEC) by supporting the implementation of the Preschool Development Grant and the expansion of early childhood education efforts in Mississippi. The ECC provides a non-threatening, open, professional, collaborative work relationship while modeling effective early childhood teaching and family engagement strategies and support and conduct trainings for pre-k teachers and administrators in schools, Head Start centers, and childcare centers. The ECEC identifies and documents the needs of early learning educators within a web-based early learning system to develop quality improvement plans, communicate the impact of developmentally appropriate practices, and support the utilization of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) tool to effectively ensure school success.
MECIC Early Intervention Training and TA Specialist
Provides evidence-based professional development and serves as a trainer and coach for Division of Early Childhood and Development and the Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center. The specialist conducts face-to-face and virtual training and provide coaching to participating programs on project initiatives related to early childhood inclusion, infant early childhood mental health, positive behavior supports, and social-emotional development..
Child Care Inspectors
Child Care Inspectors are responsible for issuing licenses, denials, suspensions, revocations, and other necessary disciplinary actions in consultation with their supervisor, the Director of the Bureau of Child Care Licensure, agency legal staff, or other relevant parties. They assess whether applicants meet all the requirements for licensure.
