Description
Do you love working with kids? Are you just out of high school or college, looking to change careers, planning to move to a different state, or hoping to find an alternate pathway to a career?
We've got you covered! Join First4 AmeriCorps for 40+ weeks of hands-on experience, modeling of high-quality teaching practices by highly-qualified staff, dynamic professional development, and an Education Technician (Ed Tech) III credential they may utilize to remain in the education field in the beautiful state of Maine.
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. Their ability to learn and be successful in school are severely impacted, and when children who are further challenged with developmental delays or disabilities. However, with support and self-regulation skills, the children faced with these challenges can enter Kindergarten at the same level–or above–their peers who have more resources or learn typically. By boosting their resilience, First4 members can help children triumph over trauma and adversity.
First4 Classroom Support Members (CSMs) will be trained to provide additional classroom support to strengthen existing trauma-informed care, to support children as they strive to meet age-appropriate social-emotional development readiness indicators, and to implement social-emotional strategies in classrooms for children six (6) weeks to five (5) years of age. First4 CSMs’ direct support in childcare and preschool settings will lower the adult-to-child ratio, thus increasing teaching staff’s capacity to deliver high quality curriculum and focus more on skills and school readiness.
One of First4’s guiding principles is that well-trained and well-supported staff and Members are the key to program quality, so Members will receive training and professional development to better understand concepts such as child development, delays & disabilities, IEP development, poverty, ACEs, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed teaching. As another means of supporting our members, AmeriCorps members receive a bi-weekly living allowance, health care benefits, eligibility for childcare assistance and student loan forbearance, Member Assistance Program (MAP, similar to EAP), as well as an education award for future education or training upon successful completion of service. All of our members will exit their 2022-2023 program year with an Education Technician (Ed Tech) III certificate to support their continued work in the education field in Maine.
Additionally, as a means of sustainability for such a profound and important undertaking, First4 CSMs will also participate in the recruitment of volunteers and AmeriCorps Members.
Do you love working with kids? Are you just out of high school or college, looking to change careers, planning to move to a different state, or hoping to find an alternate pathway to a career?
We've got you covered! Join First4 AmeriCorps for 40+ weeks of hands-on experience, modeling of high-quality teaching practices by highly-qualified staff, dynamic professional development, and an Education Technician (Ed Tech) III credential they may utilize to remain in the education field in the beautiful state of Maine.
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. Their ability to learn and be successful in school are severely impacted, and when children who are further challenged with developmental delays or disabilities. However, with support and self-regulation skills, the children faced with these challenges can enter Kindergarten at the same level–or above–their peers who have more resources or learn typically. By boosting their resilience, First4 members can help children triumph over trauma and adversity.
First4 Classroom Support Members (CSMs) will be trained to provide additional classroom support to strengthen existing trauma-informed care, to support children as they strive to meet age-appropriate social-emotional development readiness indicators, and to implement social-emotional strategies in classrooms for children six (6) weeks to five (5) years of age. First4 CSMs’ direct support in childcare and preschool settings will lower the adult-to-child ratio, thus increasing teaching staff’s capacity to deliver high quality curriculum and focus more on skills and school readiness.
One of First4’s guiding principles is that well-trained and well-supported staff and Members are the key to program quality, so Members will receive training and professional development to better understand concepts such as child development, delays & disabilities, IEP development, poverty, ACEs, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed teaching. As another means of supporting our members, AmeriCorps members receive a bi-weekly living allowance, health care benefits, eligibility for childcare assistance and student loan forbearance, Member Assistance Program (MAP, similar to EAP), as well as an education award for future education or training upon successful completion of service. All of our members will exit their 2022-2023 program year with an Education Technician (Ed Tech) III certificate to support their continued work in the education field in Maine.
Additionally, as a means of sustainability for such a profound and important undertaking, First4 CSMs will also participate in the recruitment of volunteers and AmeriCorps Members.
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Living Allowance
$1600
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$1920 monthly
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Additional Benefits
**Flexible schedule of 32 hours/wk, Monday- Friday, as determined between member and Site Mentor; August 29 to July 7 (with 2 weeks in December and federal holidays off);
**infant/toddler classroom (children 6 weeks to 3 years of age)
**In addition to support in attaining your Ed Tech certification to help you with a job in the education field after service, you will receive various and relevant training to support your service as well as Life After AmeriCorps: CPR/First Aid certification, Mandated Reporter certification, FEMA National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certification, DEI and child development training, as well as a thorough professional development in trauma-responsive approaches such as Conscious Discipline.
**Additionally, ALL members will be provided with Member Assistance Program (MAP) support, which includes:
-24/7 toll-free telephonic access to services for members
-Unlimited in-the-moment telephonic counseling services with master’s degree-level counselors
-Mobile app with resources and appointment scheduling access
-Text/Chat Counseling & Coaching
-Video Counseling & Coaching
-Medical Advocacy
-Financial and Legal Assistance (30-minute consultations)
-Life Coaching
-Personal Concierge for Everyday Needs
-Work/Life Resources & Referrals
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