Assistant Teacher - Dakota Language Nest Classroom

Position Overview

Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) is seeking an Assistant Teacher for the Dakota Immersion and Language Nest classroom. A collaborative effort between the Institute of Child Development (ICD) and the American Indian Studies department will make the Language Nest uniquely accessible for families seeking a Dakota language immersion early childhood education experience, observation and research on culturally-sustaining pedagogy, language acquisition, and parent empowerment, and will create a national exemplar in early childhood education
and place-based cultural programming. Housed in ICD at the University of Minnesota, the CDLS provides high quality early care and is a training site for university students majoring in early childhood education.

A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will play a supporting role in fulfilling the Institute of Child Development's commitment to anti-racism by maintaining a building environment that is welcoming and creates an inclusive culture for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

This position is a 30 hours per week, 9-month academic year position with opportunity for summer work, when available. This position is based on campus.

Job Responsibilities

Assistant Teacher (85%)

• Serving as an assistant teacher for a mixed-age group classroom
• Familiarity with diverse dialects of Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda language but ability to maintain focus on Minnesota dialects of Dakota
• Implement Dakota language and cultural teachings to children and families
• Support a safe, organized classroom that promotes optimal growth and development of children
• Identify and accommodate the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of children
• Respond appropriately to the needs, interests, and developmental levels of children
• Set positive and appropriate limits and be consistent, humane, positive, and effective in implementing them
• Implement early childhood curriculum
• Use the Work Sampling System to assess student and program development and goals
• Interact positively with children in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings
• Implement developmentally and culturally appropriate practices

Miscellaneous Duties (5%)

• Participate as a member of Child Development Laboratory School staff by being actively engaged in staff meetings
• Assist with administrative tasks as assigned
• Foster positive relationships with partner organizations
• Participate in department, staff, University, and external professional development opportunities
• Follow the NAEYC code of Ethics
• Assist with regular cleaning and organizing shared storage, kitchen, and outdoor spaces

Family Engagement (10%)

• Work with parents to facilitate their children's development
• Establish a positive relationship with families and communicate with families about their child's experience at school
• Provide support for families learning Dakota language and culture
• Maintain records on each child's progress and development
• Conduct home or classroom visits in the fall and conferences at least twice per year and other times as needed
• Keep parents informed of group goals and activities
• Establish long- and short-term goals for individual children
• Participate in parent involvement activities
• Coordinate parent involvement in your classroom

Required Qualifications

• A combination of education, and teacher experience that meets State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 3 (9503.0033) requirements for Assistant Child Care Teacher, such as a high school diploma or the equivalent, at least 12 quarter credits (8 semester credits) in early childhood education from an accredited post-secondary school, and 2,080 hours as an aide or intern. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9503.0033/ for additional qualifications.
• Proficient in Dakota language (ACTFL Intermediate High or higher).
• Have or be willing to obtain within 90 days 8 hours approved first aid training and Infant CPR.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families from all backgrounds and identities.
• Pass background fingerprint study and reference verification that meets requirements of State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 11.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to repeatedly perform each of the following:

• Physically supervise young children, protecting and preventing harm to them.
• Immediately respond to emergency situations.
• Visually and aurally observe children in their environment.
• Bend, stoop, stand, reach, squat, sit (on floor and/or child size chairs).
• Carry and lift children weighing between 30-50 pounds.
• Push 4-6 seat stroller while walking with children (infants and toddlers).

Program Overview

The University of Minnesota Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) in the Institute of Child Development, is an early development model and demonstration program whose practices are guided by current research in child development. The program serves as the primary training site for teacher candidates in early childhood programs and is an active center for observation and research focused on early development, education, and high-quality care and education for young children.

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 University's third largest college, 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 life. 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 M - F, between 7:30 - 4:30. The work location is on the Minneapolis campus. The salary range for this position is $21.63 - $22.89. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 75% 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 and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

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.