The learning-coach role can vary depending on the age and needs of the student as well as on the type of online learning program in which the student is enrolled.
In a home-based program, the learning coach is a parent, a family member, or another adult who is at home with the student while the student is going through their courses. If students are taking their courses at a school, a learning coach could be a teacher, para pro, or assigned mentor.
At the Early Elementary level (grades K-2), a learning coach will have a lot more responsibility as they will be literally guiding their student through their courses. As the student gets used to course navigation and into a structured routine the responsibilities of the learning coach will decrease. Student needs vary, some students may need more assistance and some students may need less assistance, a learning coach will need to adjust based on the needs of the student.
See below for a list of common duties a learning coach may need to help their student with.
Elementary K-2
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| First 2-4 weeks of school |
Beyond 2-4 weeks |
- Reviews Getting Started in the Resource Module of the course with the student.
- Designates a space for the student to work with minimal distractions.
- Sits with the student each day as they go through the lessons, helping them as needed. (Note: The student may work more independently as they demonstrate understanding of how to navigate through the course.)
- Shows the student how to navigate their course, use the calendar, and other items.
- Creates and implements an organization system to hold assignments, such as online folders for each subject.
- Helps the student organize assignments, if needed.
- Helps the student with assignments as needed, guiding them, but not doing the work for them.
- Helps the student turn in assignments.
- Develops a routine/schedule with the student and sticks to it.
- Talks with the student about what they are learning in each subject.
- Shows the student how to communicate with their teacher.
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- Reviews what the student must do each day before they get started.
- K-1 may still need an adult sitting with them as they go through the Sits with the student each day as they go through the lessons.
- Helps the student as needed to clarify directions on assignments, use materials properly, etc.
- Reviews assignments before the student turns them in to make sure they are following directions.
- Helps the student turn in assignments, if needed.
- Reminds the student of systems established to keep them organized.
- Checks in with the student, asking about what they learned in class each day.
- Checks the student’s calendar to make sure they are staying on pace and completing their daily tasks.
- Ensures that the student is communicating with their teacher.
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