Description
According to the Maine Kids Count Data, Maine has the highest rate of children diagnosed with anxiety, the third highest rate for children diagnosed with depression, and 20.2% of children under 18 have experienced two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs is a term used to describe the various forms of abuse, neglect, and traumatic experiences that children under 18 face. When young children are faced with such disadvantages early in life, their ability to learn and be successful in school are severely impacted. However, with resilience, children can triumph over trauma and adversity. The goal of the First4 AmeriCorps program is to boost resilience and reduce overall toxic stress early in childhood because we know that approximately 80% of brain development happens in the first four years of life.
First4 AmeriCorps members will provide additional classroom support to strengthen existing trauma-informed classroom practices and strategies. These 4 reduced full-time (1200 hour) members will receive substantial training to better understand concepts such as child development, poverty & ACEs, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed teaching to support the social-emotional development of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Additionally, as a means of sustainability for such a profound and important undertaking, First4 members will also participate in the recruitment of volunteers and creation of a legacy document and process to support future volunteers and AmeriCorps members.
According to the Maine Kids Count Data, Maine has the highest rate of children diagnosed with anxiety, the third highest rate for children diagnosed with depression, and 20.2% of children under 18 have experienced two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs is a term used to describe the various forms of abuse, neglect, and traumatic experiences that children under 18 face. When young children are faced with such disadvantages early in life, their ability to learn and be successful in school are severely impacted. However, with resilience, children can triumph over trauma and adversity. The goal of the First4 AmeriCorps program is to boost resilience and reduce overall toxic stress early in childhood because we know that approximately 80% of brain development happens in the first four years of life.
First4 AmeriCorps members will provide additional classroom support to strengthen existing trauma-informed classroom practices and strategies. These 4 reduced full-time (1200 hour) members will receive substantial training to better understand concepts such as child development, poverty & ACEs, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed teaching to support the social-emotional development of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Additionally, as a means of sustainability for such a profound and important undertaking, First4 members will also participate in the recruitment of volunteers and creation of a legacy document and process to support future volunteers and AmeriCorps members.
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Living Allowance
$800
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$1000 monthly
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Additional Benefits
--30 hours/wk, Monday- Friday; September 7 - July 15 (with 2 weeks in December and federal holidays off); infant/toddler classroom (children 6 weeks to 3 years of age)
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Education Requirements
High School Graduate
Desired Certifications or Qualifications
desired but not required: experience with young children and/or child development; educational experience
Desired Languages
English, Spanish
Other Conditions
Car recommended
Permits attendance at school during off hours
Subject to criminal background check