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.

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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