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 Leadership Coach
The leadership coach 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 leadership coach 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 ELEVATE Plus Coaches
The MDE ELEVATE Plus Coach 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 ELEVATE Plus coach 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 child care centers. The ELEVATE Plus Coach 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 the Division of Early Childhood Care and Development and the Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center. The specialist conducts face-to-face and virtual training and provides 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 Licensing Officials
Child care licensing officials assess child care facilities and providers to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. They conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and offer technical assistance to help providers meet the required standards outlined in the regulations. Their role is to help maintain a safe and nurturing environment for children in child care settings.