Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) Lead

Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), the prime contractor for the Head Start Monitoring Program, is responsible for facilitating all facets of the federal monitoring process on behalf of the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Office of Head Start. MSG is seeking CLASS® Leads to join a team responsible for gathering, understanding, and reporting data from Head Start programs across the country. They are responsible for leading monitoring teams that observe, document, and code teacher-child interactions. They are also responsible for providing support and resources to grant recipients to help them prepare for their review and be successful in implementing it. The ideal candidate is someone who can manage a heavy workload in an organized and efficient manner; has a sharp eye for detail; can maintain a cooperative and positive attitude; and can meet established deadlines with a high level of accuracy and precision.

Note: In addition to uploading a resume, the applicant must upload a current Pre-K CLASS® Observer certificate issued by Teachstone™. 
 *All applicants should upload their current Pre-K CLASS® Observer certificate. Failure to add this certificate may result in the applicant not moving forward in the hiring process. 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Complete all required onboarding tasks and virtual training to become familiar with the monitoring processes, protocols, reporting database systems, and related resources 
• Work with a diverse group to lead monitoring review teams under the direction of the MSG CLASS® Manager and Assistant Senior Project Manager

• Lead reviews in accordance with the current OHS CLASS® Field Guide and related Standard Operating Procedures, following all required methodology and guidance provided by the CLASS® Manager for both virtual and in-person settings. 

• Provide review teams with all information and resources needed to be successful as they collect and enter/upload information into the monitoring software
• Keep current of any changes affecting the use of the Teachstone™ Pre-K Manual and related materials as well as protocols for conducting classroom observations 
• Keep up to date of any changes affecting federal rules, regulations and guidelines regarding Head Start programs 
• Support Head Start Grant Recipients so that they learn what is expected during a CLASS review and are fully prepared to fulfill their responsibilities successfully
• Maintain, collect, record, track, monitor, analyze, quantify, and report data as requested to enable the CLASS Team and executive leadership to communicate promptly and effectively with the Office of Head Start
• Conduct quality assurance for video reviews and select observable activities for reviewers to code
• Monitor and report work hours of CLASS® Reviewer Consultants in an accurate and timely manner
• Engage in special projects as needed to enhance the level of service provided and to help ensure that contract deliverables are met in a timely manner
• Create and conduct training as needed to build skills of reviewers conducting CLASS assessments
• Dual code CLASS® Reviewer Consultants as needed and debrief with them to share results. During these events, the CLASS® Lead codes alongside, and provides feedback to CLASS® Reviewer Consultants to ensure their reliability.
• CLASS® Leads may be required to participate in several Teachstone™ sponsored activities (i.e., calibrations, webinars, refreshers) throughout the review season

Required Skills: 

• Ability to follow the OHS CLASS® Methodology and all other MSG required policies and procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively with MSG staff and in alignment with the Office of Head Start, ACF Regional Offices and external stakeholders 
• Comfort with, and the ability to perform in a virtual environment using a variety of technological tools, techniques, and systems including but not limited to: Internet (multiple browsers), virtual meeting software (i.e., Teams, Zoom etc.) and other related online systems  
• Comfort with and the ability to complete assignments that require scanning, uploading/downloading, accessing and navigating multiple external systems

• Observe, document, and code teacher-child interactions if assigned when needed (virtual and live)
• Exemplary oral, written, and data management skills
• Ability to interact with a customer