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Position Overview

This position is a casual appointment CLASS Ambassador 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 number of hours worked each week will vary throughout the year and will not exceed 14 hours per week.

The CLASS Ambassador position will conduct on-site observations in early care and education programs. The CLASS Ambassador will be trained to be a reliable observer using the Parent Aware observation tool which is currently the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). There is a possibility the CLASS Ambassador will be trained in other assessment tools as needed. The CLASS Ambassador will also attend training of trainers for specific courses as assigned. The CLASS Ambassador will complete training and requirements to become a Develop approved trainer. A CLASS Ambassador will also provide information and education in Somali, Spanish, or Hmong to those interested in the CLASS tool. CLASS Ambassadors are expected to always maintain confidentiality and professional standards. This position requires the CLASS Ambassador to travel to early care and education program sites across Minnesota on an occasional basis 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. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

On-site Observations and Trainings (75%)

• Attend trainings and become a reliable observer on the CLASS tool.
• Conduct on-site observations in various early care and education programs based on the observational visit protocol.
• Work with CEED's observational tool expert to establish and maintain required reliability.
• Document and record data from observation. Enter data into DEVELOP system.
• Write feedback reports in English as well as Spanish, Somali or Hmong.
• Maintain trainer status in Develop needed to conduct assigned Develop events.
• Confirm observation visit schedule with early childhood programs.
• Travel to early care and education programs.
• Conduct Pre-K CLASS Awareness and Overview Trainings

Administrative Duties (25%)

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

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• 2 years of experience in early childhood 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.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
• Ability to maintain data confidentiality.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Minnesota to perform on-site observations or trainings.
• 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

• Associate degree (AA) or higher in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Child Psychology, or a closely related field.
• More than 2 years of experience in early care and education settings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, primarily Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Department Overview

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota is one of the oldest departments for the study of children's development in the United States. Since its inception in 1925, a key tenet of the department's mission has been to "give away" the science of child development which creates an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. ICD, which is recognized internationally, offers degrees in developmental psychology and early childhood education, including the long-standing top-ranked PhD in developmental psychology. Housed in ICD, the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) provides the highest quality early care and is a training site for university students majoring in early childhood education. Another critical component of ICD is the Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) which conducts applied research, professional development and policy education and community outreach to effect positive change in early education, childcare, and public policy. The Institute strives to create an inclusive environment where every student, staff member, and faculty member feels valued and has meaningful experiences that affirm and embrace their identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment,
embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.