Job Description:

Description

WestEd is a nonpartisan, nonprofit agency that conducts and applies research, develops evidence-based solutions, and provides services and resources in the realms of education, human development, and related fields, with the end goal of improving outcomes and ensuring equity for individuals from infancy through adulthood.WestEd has more than a dozen offices nationwide, from Massachusetts, Georgia, and Washington, DC, to Arizona and California, with headquarters in San Francisco.

As a community of over 800 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact - asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs. Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Please review our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Come and join us!

The Opportunity:

As a Bilingual Preschool Child Assessor, you will conduct one-on-one assessments with preschool children who are at-risk for mathematical learning difficulties. The assessments will entail mathematics and other cognitive measures. This position is part of a larger research project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, designed to evaluate the effects of two different models for implementing an early math curriculum (i.e., in-class vs. pull out) on the development of children's mathematical knowledge prior to kindergarten entry. The overarching goal of the project is to reduce the number of children referred to special education in elementary school and to determine the relative effectiveness of the contrasting models of implementation. Serving as a core member of the research team, the Bilingual Preschool Child Assessor will be responsible for administering assessments to preschool children three to five days a week in public preschool programs. Upon hire, assessors will participate in trainings to learn to administer the assessments with high fidelity in Fall 2021 of the school year. Successful applicants will be paid for all training activities, as well as for time conducting assessments and associated research activities. Travel mileage and travel time will also be paid. This is a part-time temporary position with additional assessment opportunities in Spring 2022.

Core Focus Areas:

This is a part-time (approximately 15-20 hours per week), temporary position. Roughly 75% of the position responsibilities will be devoted to conducting and reviewing assessments, and the remaining 25% will be devoted to record-keeping and communication.

Data collection and review:

• Conduct one-on-one assessments with preschool children on mathematics and other cognitive measures.


• Review assessment materials each day for completeness and errors.

Team Communication:

• Provide clear, concise, and timely communication to Team Leader who will supervise daily assessment progress.


• Independently troubleshoot at preschool sites to ensure a successful assessment environment for all children.

What We're Looking For:

To help us make a positive impact on learners from numerous racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, we'll need someone who has:

• The availability to work, on average, between 15-20 hours per week during the assessment period. Successful candidates should be available for training and certification on the measures in July-August 2021. Assessments are expected to begin in August and conclude in early October. There will be additional assessment opportunities in Spring 2022.


• A bachelor's degree in psychology, human development, early childhood education, or any field that provides the relevant experience to perform the responsibilities outlined above.


• Fluency in English and intermediate proficiency in Spanish to be able to administer the assessments bilingually.

Other degrees, skills, abilities, and experiences of interest:

• Located in the Sacramento, San Diego, or East Bay/San Mateo County area.


• Professionalism to establish partnerships with school staff, teachers, and children.


• Prior experience working with preschool or elementary school children required.


• Available to work at least 4 consecutive hours, at least 3 mornings and/or afternoons per week during the assessment period.


• Valid driver's license, insurance, and access to a personal vehicle for transportation to the school sites.


• Proof of negative TB test will be required upon hire.


• Applicants must comply with COVID-19 district/program protocol (e.g., temperature checks, wearing masks).


• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Culture of the Content Area Team:

We are a group of 12 people who are committed to improving early mathematics education for young learners, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We develop and research promising educational innovations. We believe in the importance of being nimble in order to provide the highest quality insights for clients and stakeholders. In fact, our project teams are often dynamic, which means that we can be working on a number of different project teams at any given time.

Salary:

Salary for this part-time position is $30/hour.