Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual IGDI Lab - Rochester - Military Veterans

Position Overview

IGDI Lab through the Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development, at the University of Minnesota, has an occasional need for part-time, temporary or casual employees across multiple projects .

This position is an hourly temp casual position with hours that ebb and flow with the needs of data collection for the IGDI Lab in the Rochester area. Projects focus on assessment and data-based decision-making within a multi-tiered system of support for English and Spanish speaking children ranging from 3-6 years of age.

The project, Computer Adaptive Storybook Assessment (CASA), has developed a computer-adaptive language and early literacy storybook assessment for preschoolers who have limited language skills, delays or disorders, or are at risk for limited language development using a highly engaging, game-based application. Data collectors can give assessments in Spanish, English, or both languages.

The position requires an interest in and knowledge of early childhood assessment. This data collection position includes training on assessments and interaction with young children to collect data. Data collectors will travel to early childhood classrooms and use iPads or tablets to assess children. Once hired, all data collectors will be trained on all assessments and fidelity procedures and are required to achieve 90% fidelity using existing fidelity of implementation forms before they are allowed to enter the classroom for live testing. After completing training, the data collectors are required to test children, record the data, and report updates to the research team.

This position is based in-person in the Rochester area. The work schedule is temporary in nature, meaning the employee is limited to 67 days of work in a calendar year. It can also be casual in nature, meaning the employee can work 14 or fewer hours per week. Employees working in this position are paid an hourly rate; temporary and casual employees are not eligible for retirement plans, health insurance, vacation, sick leave, or the Regents Scholarship.

Job Responsibilities

Data Collection and Data Entry (100%)

• Travel to sites and collect assessment data with preschool- and Kindergarten- age children based on information provided by the data collection lead.
• Document all scores.
• Transfer data each session by syncing iPad devices and recording progress in a tracking spreadsheet.

• Some high school, 2 years work experience, or lived experiences that align with project goals.
• Interest in early childhood, assessment, education or a related field.
• Desire to work with educators and children.
• Ability to communicate with manager and team members over email, phone, and/or videoconference.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
• Reliable transportation for travel to school sites.
• Ability to work within school hours (approximately 8am-3pm; M-F).

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication fluency in Spanish
• Lived experiences that align with project goals
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and be self-directed
• Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children one-on-one
• Experience with data collection
• Demonstrated excellent data entry skills
• Experience working with preschool and/or elementary-age children