ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

School Readiness Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Community Action

School Readiness Coach

Lexington, KY · On-site

$21.41/hr

The School Readiness Coach is committed to providing exceptional education opportunities to students enrolled in the Council's Head Start programs with specific emphasis on CLASS Instructional ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSchool Readiness Jobs

School Readiness information

See salary details

$8

$24

$50

How much do school readiness jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for school readiness in the United States is $24.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between School Readiness vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectSchool ReadinessPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsChild development certifications, early childhood education creditsEarly childhood education degree or certification
Work EnvironmentAssessing children's skills, preparing them for schoolTeaching and supervising children in a classroom setting
Employer & Industry UsagePreschools, childcare centers, school districtsPreschools, early childhood programs, childcare centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding early childhood preparation rolesTeaching roles in early childhood education

School Readiness focuses on assessing and preparing children for the transition to kindergarten, emphasizing developmental skills and assessments. Preschool Teachers, on the other hand, are responsible for instructing and caring for children in preschool settings. While both roles involve working with young children, School Readiness professionals often work in assessment and program development, whereas Preschool Teachers focus on daily instruction and classroom management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a School Readiness Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Readiness Specialist, you need expertise in early childhood education, child development, and curriculum planning, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with assessment tools like the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and experience with early learning standards are commonly required. Strong communication, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for engaging families, educators, and diverse communities. These skills ensure effective preparation of children for school, fostering their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in School Readiness programs, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in School Readiness programs often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse families, addressing varying developmental needs among children, and working within limited resources. Building strong relationships with families and collaborating closely with teachers and community partners are essential strategies. Staying updated with best practices in early childhood education and participating in ongoing training also help professionals adapt to changing student needs and program requirements.

What is school readiness?

School readiness refers to the skills, knowledge, and attitudes children need to succeed in school and later learning. It encompasses a child's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, including basic language, early math, self-control, and social skills. School readiness is not just about academic preparation but also about being able to follow routines, interact positively with peers and teachers, and manage emotions. Parents, caregivers, and early educators all play a key role in supporting children to become ready for school.
More about School Readiness jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of School Readiness jobs? The most popular types of School Readiness jobs are:
What states have the most School Readiness jobs? States with the most job openings for School Readiness jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Readiness jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Readiness jobs are:
School Readiness jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Readiness job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,770 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
School Readiness Coordinator

School Readiness Coordinator

Action Pathways, Inc.

Fayetteville, NC • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Head Start School Readiness Coordinator
Reports To: Education Services Manager
Salary: $62,000/ annually
Full Time – Non – exempt
Travel Required: 40%
Position Summary
The School Readiness provides strategic leadership to ensure that child outcomes and family partnerships work in alignment to promote school readiness. This role bridges education services, family engagement, and data-driven decision making to strengthen classroom quality, increase family involvement, and ensure measurable progress toward School Readiness Goals.
This position serves as a key driver of continuous quality improvement by transforming child outcome data and family engagement practices into coordinated strategies that enhance learning environments, strengthen family-school connections, and advance the mission of Head Start. This role will support tracking In – Kind and volunteerism as it pertains to family involvement to support the Non – federal share requirement for Head Start.
Essential Duties amp; Responsibilities
School Readiness amp; Strategic Leadership
  • Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and annual review of School Readiness Goals
  • Ensure alignment between curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, and family engagement strategies
  • Guide education and family services teams in data-informed planning and continuous improvement
  • Serve as a strategic partner in agency-wide planning and program development
Child Outcomes amp; Data Systems
  • Oversee collection, analysis, and interpretation of child assessment and family engagement data
  • Identify trends and gaps to inform classroom instruction, coaching, and family support strategies
  • Develop user-friendly reports and dashboards for leadership, Policy Council, and governing bodies
  • Support staff in using data to individualize instruction and strengthen family learning supports
Instructional Quality amp; Classroom Impact
  • Collaborate with Education Managers and Coaches to strengthen instructional practices and CLASS outcomes
  • Align professional development and coaching with classroom needs and child outcome goals
  • Support consistent, high-quality implementation of curriculum and individualized learning plans
Family Learning amp; Engagement Leadership
  • Design and implement innovative family engagement strategies that support school readiness and lifelong learning
  • Develop parent education workshops, home learning initiatives, and community partnerships
  • Strengthen parent leadership development and participation in program governance
  • Ensure culturally responsive practices that reflect the strengths and needs of enrolled families
Compliance amp; Quality Assurance
  • Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to education, family engagement, and school readiness
  • Lead internal monitoring and documentation reviews across education and family services
  • Prepare program components for federal reviews and ongoing monitoring activities
  • Maintain accurate and compliant records related to child outcomes and family engagement
Collaboration amp; Leadership
  • Partner with ERSEA, Health, Disabilities, and Mental Health teams to support whole-child and whole-family outcomes
  • Serve as a key member of the program’s leadership team
  • Promote a positive, collaborative organizational culture
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Family Studies, or related field (Master’s preferred)
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience in early childhood education, family services, or related leadership role
  • Strong knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, CLASS, child assessment systems, and family engagement frameworks
  • Demonstrated experience with data analysis, program evaluation, and continuous quality improvement
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Head Start experience strongly preferred
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
  • Experience with program evaluation and strategic planning
Core Competencies
  • Strategic amp; systems thinking
  • Instructional and family engagement leadership
  • Data-informed decision making
  • Relationship building amp; collaboration
  • Cultural responsiveness amp; equity-centered leadership
Qualifications
Education amp; Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in early childhood education, including classroom teaching and staff support or coaching.
  • Experience working in Head Start or similar early childhood program strongly preferred.
  • NC Level III Child Care Administrator preferred
Knowledge, Skills amp; Abilities
  • Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and early childhood best practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of NC DCDEE Requirements and other Early Childhood regulatory compliance.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and support teaching staff.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to the dynamic needs of a multi-site program.
Working Conditions
  • Frequent travel between Head Start centers.
  • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for trainings or special events.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Computer Skills
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of accounting software; spreadsheet and word processing software.
  • Employee must be sufficiently computer literate to learn agency software within 90 days of employment.
Certificates amp; Licenses
The employee must have a valid driver's license and own reliable transportation.
Other Requirements
  • Employee must have demonstrated ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate work of subordinates.
  • Knowledge of principles of organization and management is required.
  • A thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs, characteristics, and development of low-income infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children and families is essential to success in this position.
  • Applicant must be familiar with North Carolina Child Care Licensing regulations.
  • Must be able to work and communicate well with a variety of people.
  • Must be in good medical health as evidenced by an annual medical examination.
  • Employee must have annual TB test indicating negative results.
  • Employee must be able to pass a post offer employment criminal record background check and random substance abuse tests.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
  • Employee must recognize and be sensitive to the cultural, ethnic, and social diversity among the population served and the community at large.
  • Employee must maintain strict confidentiality and convey the necessity to co-workers.
  • Tactfulness and courtesy are essential when representing the agency with the general public.
  • Employee must be committed to continuous quality and performance improvement.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Certificates amp; Licenses
It is the employee's responsibility to obtain and keep current all certifications, licenses, physicals, etc., at all times.
Required certifications and licenses are:
  • Current (negative) TB test
  • Pre - employment physical
  • First Aid Certification (within 60 days of hire)
  • CPR Certification (within 60 days of hire)
  • Valid driver's license or reliable transportation. Annual state vehicle inspection, and proof of vehicle liability insurance coverage if POV.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work and communicate with a wide variety of people, particularly pre-school-aged children.
The employee must be able to pass a criminal background record check and post-offer employment and random substance abuse tests.
The employee must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal Background Check (CBC) Qualification letter through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development.
A good driving record with no moving violations is required with Valid Driver's License.
The ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Background check with state and Federal law enforcement agencies required. Selected applicants must submit to a pre-employment substance abuse screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs and alcohol as specified in agency policies. Must submit and receive negative results for random testing of same. The employee must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Must be able to pass a post-offer physical examination.
Action Pathways, Inc. is an “at-will” employer. Either the employee or Action Pathways, Inc. may terminate the employment arrangement at any time, with or without cause.
Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The job description or announcement is not an employment agreement or contract.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE:
  • Competitive pay with periodic Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
  • Zero-cost Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (Employee only)
  • Retirement plan with 100% employer matching
  • Paid Vacation/Sick/Personal leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • Paid professional development training
  • Education assistance after one year employed
  • Auto mileage reimbursement for official travel
  • Employee discounts
  • Bragg Mutual Credit Union Membership
  • Employee Recognition Events
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must apply online at www.actionpathways.ngo

Apply