This is an entry-level position that provides members an opportunity to serve directly with youth, aged 0-5. Members will serve directly in an early childhood classroom, with specific time allocated for specialized training in social-emotional competency and challenging behaviors and college-level early childhood classes. AmeriCorps members will have the opportunity to connect with young children and witness their growth by leading them in age-appropriate activities, lessons and positive behavioral strategies.
Service Activities
● Under the guidance of the lead teacher, members will have the opportunity to further develop the skills they are learning in a hands-on setting. They will engage children in the educational curriculum, imaginative play, books, toys, and various learning activities.
● Members will serve in an Early Childhood Education Center as a staff aid in an infant/toddler setting (0-3 year olds) or a preschool setting (3-5 year olds). Members will help to ensure teacher: student ratios, and to support the classroom lead teacher with lesson planning, schedules, routines, circle time and planned activities.
● Demonstrate a positive attitude while focusing on each individual child and the group as a whole.
● Implement positive behavioral framework tools and strategies which are provided during service term. These tools will allow members to help children work through difficult behaviors while providing them with a safe environment to manage their emotions.
● Model healthy behavior and communication with the children in order to reinforce and foster healthy social skills. Members will focus on interacting with children in a nurturing and responsive way.
● Members will assist the lead teacher with diaper changes, nap time, dressing, putting on shoes and jackets for outside time, helping children wash their hands, and assisting with snack time and bottle time.
Community Need Addressed
This position will increase the capacity of early childhood centers to support the social-emotional needs of young children by providing additional support and training to new early childhood teachers (AmeriCorps members).
Position Outcomes
The outcome of this position will be to increase the capacity of the center. This will occur by increasing the ability of teachers to provide high-quality support to young children, and therefore increasing children's opportunity to thrive.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Housing opportunity available. Members will receive a housing stipend each month. Members will take college-level classes to gain an early childhood certification, in addition to specialized Pyramid Coaching.
Education Benefits
College Degree, Credential or Certification
AmeriCorps Members will become Early Childhood Assistant Teacher certified, with the potential to become Early Childhood Lead Teacher certified. Members will receive Pyramid Model Coaching and get a certificate of completion. They will also become CPR/First Aid certified. They will take two college classes which will help them gain their teacher certification.
Skills you will gain
Positive behavioral strategies, social-emotional skills, managing a classroom, knowledge of early childhood, child development, professionalism, multi-tasking, relationship building
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment