Position Overview

This position is a 50% appointment (20 hours per week) Community Program Assistant - Early Childhood Program Observer position at the Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) in the Institute of Child Development, part of the College of Education and Human Development. The position will report to Kristina Erstad-Sankey.

The Early Childhood Program Observer (ECPO) will conduct on-site observations in licensed early care and education programs located in childcare centers, schools, Head Start sites, and family childcare homes using early childhood observational tools for the purpose of research, evaluation, program rating, or program improvement.  The ECPO will be trained to be a reliable observer using the Preschool Classroom Assessment Scoring Scale--PreK (Pre-K CLASS®).  There is a possibility that the ECPO will also be trained in one or more of the Environmental Rating Scales, and other age levels of the CLASS® observation tools, and other early childhood assessment tools as needed. The ECPO is expected to always maintain confidentiality and professional standards. This position requires the ECPO to travel to various early care and education program sites across the state of Minnesota using their own transportation.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. 

This position is represented by the AFSCME Union, Local 3801. The hours are M - F, 8:00-4:30. The work location is primarily remote at various sites. The minimum starting pay for this position is $20.80.

Job Respomsibilities

On-site Observations (75%)

• Conduct on-site observations in various early care and education programs based on the observational visit protocol designed specifically for each project. 
• Work with CEED’s observational tool expert to establish and maintain required reliability.
• Enter data using internet-capable technology devices.
• Use video-recording equipment and work with interpreters when appropriate.
• Confirm observation visit schedule with early care and education providers.
• Travel to early care and education programs.

Administrative Duties (25%)

• Communicate with project coordinator on a daily to weekly basis to transmit data and reports, receive technical assistance, report any feedback from the observations.
• Handle any administrative tasks related to the observation.
• Attend staff meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Associates degree (AA) or higher in early childhood education or a related field.
• One year experience in an early childhood education setting.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse communities.
• Ability to maintain data confidentiality.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and to other statewide locations to perform on-site observations.  
• Ability to move around and be in early childhood environments unobtrusively, independently and with agility
• Ability to conduct self in a professional manner; prompt, can complete duties in a timely and responsible manner; works well under pressure and can follow appropriate channels of response.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, child psychology, or a closely related field.
• Current Pre-K CLASS® observer certification from Teachstone.
• At least 2 years of experience in early care and education settings.
• Proficiency in a language other than English, specifically Somali, Hmong, or Spanish.
• Competent English skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills; strong observational skills; detailed-oriented; competence in everyday computer skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, primarily Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Comfortable using a table (i.e., iPad).
   

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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