Early Learning Coach/Mental Health Consultant

Position: Early Learning Coach/Mental Health Consultant

Base Salary Range: $60,971.00-$65,913.56

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Report To: ELSD Program Manager

AGENCY SUMMARY:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services has been at the forefront of the early learning landscape for over 30 years, ensuring that all children have equitable access to safe, engaging, and positive early learning experiences that promote school readiness and lifetime success. With a staff of over 140 and a budget of $60 million (99% publicly funded), BrightSpark Early Learning Services provides a broad array of services for families and childcare providers so that they can support the development and well-being of our children.

OPPORTUNITY:

The Early Learning Coach & Mental Health Consultant is a blended role that directly supports the quality and well-being of licensed childcare programs serving children ages 0–12 in King and Pierce Counties. As a member of the Early Learning Services Department’s Comprehensive Services team, this position contributes to both the department's strategic goals and the state’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (Early Achievers).

Using a strength-based, culturally responsive, and anti-bias approach, the Coach /Consultant partners with early learning professionals—center teachers, administrators, and family childcare providers—to co-develop quality improvement goals, support professional development, and enhance classroom practices. This includes transformational coaching grounded in adult learning theory and mental health consultation that promotes inclusive environments, responsive caregiving, and social-emotional wellness.

Key components of the role include:

• Providing individualized and program-level coaching and consultation
• Supporting the ongoing implementation of research-based tools like CLASS, ERS, and ASQ
• Building provider capacity to manage challenging behaviors, reduce expulsions, and increase referrals to early intervention
• Facilitating reflective practice and supporting trauma-informed care
  
  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Early Achievers Coaching (60%)

• Support licensed center- and family-based childcare providers in navigating and advancing through Washington State's Early Achievers QRIS.
• Utilize formal and informal data with providers to develop, implement, and monitor quality improvement plans aligned with Early Achievers standards.
• Conduct one-on-one and group coaching sessions on early learning best practices, technology use, professional development systems (MERIT), and self-assessment tools.
• Facilitate culturally responsive training and technical assistance to meet individualized program goals.
• Provide coaching that reflects anti-racist, inclusive, and culturally relevant approaches.
• Document coaching sessions and activities on web-based platforms accurately and on a timely basis.
• Maintain a consistent caseload, ensuring providers feel supported, respected, and challenged to meet quality benchmarks.
• Become a STARS-approved trainer within 6 months and deliver workshops as needed.
• Participate in program meetings, reflective practice, and agency-wide learning opportunities.
• Travel within King & Pierce Counties
  
  

Mental Health Specialist? (40%)

• Provide virtual and on-site Infant (as needed) Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) services in selected licensed childcare sites (centers and/or homes).
• Providing resources, materials, information, or referrals for.
• Consultation with teachers, administrators, staff, and families
• Support early learning facilities in implementing the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) as a universal developmental screening tool.
• Trainings for early care and education staff and administrators on topics such as Trauma Informed Care, Understanding and Managing Challenging Behavior, Expulsion Prevention and Inclusionary Practices, Stress Management and Self-Care, and others as appropriate.
• Travel within King and Pierce County
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a closely related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience in early learning or infant/toddler development; OR
• Master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience in early learning settings; (Candidates with experience supporting young children (birth to age 11) in childcare or educational settings are strongly encouraged to apply.)
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Coursework and/or formal training in culturally appropriate, anti-bias, and trauma-informed practices, demonstrating commitment to continued professional development in equity-centered approaches.
• Ability to facilitate reflective practice sessions with early learning professionals, with experience supporting providers in culturally and linguistically diverse communities—including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, immigrant/refugee, and military-connected populations.
• Practical experience and subject matter expertise in at least two of the following areas: Infant/Toddler Development, Preschool Development, Social-Emotional Development, Bilingual/Bicultural Education, evidence-based classroom curriculum, childcare center administration and management, and/or accreditation processes (NAEYC, NAC, NAFCC, etc.).
• Knowledge of childcare licensing and the regulatory environment surrounding family and center-based programs in Washington State.
• Experience utilizing CLASS, ERS, DECA, or similar quality and mental health assessment tools to guide individualized quality improvement or consultation plans.
• Understanding of Quality Improvement systems and Adult Learning theory.
• Must be able to become a State-Approved STARS Trainer within 6 months.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting, strength-based relationships with adult learners through coaching and consultative approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent listening and feedback abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage a hybrid caseload, and promptly meet monthly documentation and project deliverables.
• Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet provider and program needs.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle. This position requires regular travel across both King and Pierce Counties.
  
  

COMPETENCIES:

• Core Competencies -
• Mission-driven: Demonstrates commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Equity mindset: Demonstrates the values of anti-racism; fosters an inclusive environment that facilitates diversity.
• Communication: Uses skillful written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening.
• Adaptability: Adapts and responds to change; proactively seeks opportunities to be supportive of change that serves our mission
• Ownership and quality of work: Manages own work and work of teams when relevant, ensuring delivery of successful outcomes.
  

COMPENSATION:

• Hiring Salary Range: $60,971.00-$65,913.56
• FLSA Status: exempt/non-exempt
• This is a full-time salaried position requiring work during BrightSpark Early Learning Services Business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5 pm, and requiring a willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
  
  

BrightSpark will determine the specific salary for the successful candidate based on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, skill, and education related to the position’s qualifications and internal racial equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total compensation package.

Other components of the total compensation package may include participation in group life, health, and dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program(s), paid time off, and paid holidays.

BENEFITS:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services’ benefits package includes employer-paid top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees, 21 days of PTO per year in addition to 11 paid holidays, 3 paid floating holidays, birthday holiday, and one week-long office closure at year-end, Refresh Fridays in July (BrightSpark Early Learning Services Closure Days), flexible work environment, employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability/illness leave accrual, and 401k with 3% employer match.

WORK LOCATION:

• This position is a [Hybrid / Community].
• Hybrid positions at BrightSpark require at least two days in the office per week. However, these days may change based on individual positions and department needs.
• BrightSpark Early Learning Services employees in all types of work positions (hybrid, community, etc.) must attend training, meetings, events, or other work commitments at various BrightSpark Early Learning Services office locations or off-site locations in Washington State, including the New Employee Orientation in Kent, Washington.
  
  

EQUAL EQUITY EMPLOYER:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity among our staff. We strongly encourage people of color, immigrants and refugees, people from the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and people from other historically marginalized groups to apply.

Additional Information & Questions

• To learn more about BrightSpark Early Learning Services, please visit BrightSpark.org
• BrightSpark Early Learning Services is a grant-funded nonprofit organization. This and all positions are contingent on grant funding being in place and can end based on the expiration of funding.