Early Childhood Program Observer

Position Overview

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 Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) 2nd Edition. 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.

This is a 50% appointment (20 hours per week) 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.

This position is based on campus. Travel is required. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

On-site observations (65%)

• 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 (30%)

• 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.

Training duties (5%)

• Train early childhood professionals on multiple assessment tools (e.g., Desired Results Developmental Profile, COR Advantage) and support other CEED trainers and trainings.
• Work in the Develop system to create and manage events.
• Work with the Early Childhood Program Quality team to update and create training opportunities.
• Train early childhood professionals on additional content (e.g., CLASS, ERS, assessment).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, child psychology, or a closely 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, primarily Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Comfortable using a tablet (i.e., iPad).

CEED Overview

The Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) is a center administratively housed within the Institute of Child Development. CEED, which has been serving the early childhood community for over 40 years, follows the vision that all young children deserve the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential in safe and nurturing environments with opportunities for learning. The mission of CEED holds the belief that the science of early development forms a sound basis for improving practice and policy for all young children and families, and for those who experience adversity in the first years of life. Since 1975, CEED has fulfilled this mission in partnership with our constituencies through collaborative research and scholarship; program evaluation and monitoring; professional development education and training; and networking and strategic planning.

Department Overview

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and 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.

Pay Range: This position is represented by the AFSCME Union, Local 3800. The hours are generally M - F, between 8:00-4:30. The work location is on the Minneapolis campus. The salary range for this position is $21.63 - $25.24. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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. Applicants should attach a cover letter, resume, and contact information for up to 3 references.

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

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).