Early Childhood Literacy Coaches' Role Perceptions and Recommendations for Change

Abstract

In recent years, literacy coaches have emerged as an integral part of a school's literacy team. Although current research on literacy coaching examines the work of coaches at the elementary and middle/secondary school levels, little research exists on the roles and perspectives of early childhood literacy coaches. This study sought to fill that gap by examining the current priorities of 20 early childhood literacy coaches and their recommendations for enhancing their roles as literacy coaches. We found that early childhood literacy coaches identified serving as content expert, promoter of self-reflection, and professional development facilitator as high priorities for their current work. They identified facilitator of the school-wide literacy community as a low priority.