Assistant Researcher-Coach
Preschool Literacy Intervention Coach Assistant Researcher (August 2019- May 2020)
Life Span Institute, University of Kansas JUNIPER GARDENS CHILDREN’S PROJECT Position Description
(Part Time 75-90%) Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, a community-based research institute affiliated with the University of Kansas, is conducting a research program aimed at evaluating how a Practice Based Coaching model (Literacy 3D) can be used to enhance the literacy focus of early childhood (EC) teachers through data-driven decision making and strategies that boost children’s opportunities to respond in literacy activities. We are seeking an intervention coach who will be responsible for coaching EC teachers in the Kansas City Metro area in the implementation of Literacy 3D to promote early literacy and oral language development in children ages 3-5.
Coaches are responsible for teacher training, including development and delivery of presentations and materials that support early literacy instruction and data interpretation. Coaches support teachers individually through in-class observations and coaching. Associated activities include scheduling, data entry, recruitment of teachers, ongoing data analysis for coaching, and child assessments. This position requires strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to build rapport with culturally diverse populations.
Please note this position lasts approximately 10 months from August 1 to May 31, with the summer (June and July) off work. Employees may be appointed to leave-without-pay status (with possible benefits) during these summer months. Leave-without-pay status and continuation of position into the next school year are contingent upon successful grant funding and individual employee performance. Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the background check. Position is located in Kansas City, KS with travel in the metro area.
Job Duties 1. Coach teachers on implementation of literacy-boosting strategies including face-to-face and email
feedback, as well as ongoing progress monitoring to inform coaching (40%) 2. Conduct in-class assessments and observations of EC teachers’ literacy instruction and
interactions with children ages 3-5 including children with developmental delays (20%) 3. Provide teachers professional development consultation to help them interpret classroom and
child literacy data through individual or group meetings (10%) 4. Conduct child literacy and oral language proficiency assessments (10%) 5. Assist with the preparation of intervention materials (10%) 6. Attend program team meetings and research project meetings (10%)
Required Qualifications: 1. Bachelors’ degree or equivalent in social work, psychology, early childhood, special education,
counseling, or related field. 2. Three-year minimum experience in working in classrooms, early childhood education, or
equivalent as evidenced in application materials. 3. One-year minimum experience mentoring/coaching or supervising home visitors or early
childhood educators as evidenced in application materials. 4. Reliable transportation and flexible schedule to accommodate teachers’ availability, including
weekday mornings, afternoons and some limited weekday evening availability for trainings.
Preferred Qualifications 1. Master’s degree or equivalent in in social work, psychology, early childhood, special education,
counseling, or related field. 2. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail as demonstrated in work experience. 3. Experience participating in research projects related to early intervention/education. 4. Experience administering standardized assessments and conducting naturalistic observations. 5. Fluent in oral and written Spanish. 6. Experience with culturally diverse populations.
FTE: 75-90% (30-36 hours per week)
SALARY: $15.43—$25.33 hourly, $24,070—$39,514, annually at 75% FTE, commensurate with education and experience.
DEADLINE/START DATE: Review of applications will begin July 8, 2019 and will continue until a qualified applicant pool has been identified. Start date is when position is filled (late July/early August start).
TO APPLY: For more information and to apply go to https://employment.ku.edu/staff/14887BR Please submit an online application, cover letter, resume/vitae and current contact information for three professional references. Candidates who do not submit ALL of the above through the online system will not be considered. Please do not email application materials.
If you have questions about the position, you may email Alana Schnitz at aschnitz@ku.edu . If you have questions about the application process, you may contact Diana Skill at (913) 735 2612.
Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the background check.
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, retaliation, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following persons has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and are the Title IX Coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu , Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses; Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588- 8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).