AmeriCorps Early Learning Instructors will promote school readiness by serving in preschools, kindergartens, family resource centers and other early learning environments delivering lesson plans; working with children through large group, small group and/or one-on-one activities. Members will introduce early literacy, numeracy, and/or social-emotional development to children ages 2-5.
Service Activities
• Directly interact with children and deliver skill building activities that focus on Literacy Math and/or Social Emotional Development
• Provide education strategies, such as Playgroups, Circle Time, Individualized Coaching Sessions, and/or Special Events. Includes designing, planning, promoting, conducting and evaluating programs.
• Assist with activities to for families by modeling appropriate parent/child interaction and providing information and/or assistance to promote family involvement in the child’s growth and development.
• Follow a curriculum plan and schedule that meets the needs of the children served.
• Link parents to community resources based on family need as appropriate
• Deliver parenting education, information, and assessments as applicable
• Provide outreach strategies in the community to educate the community about services delivered and/or early childhood development.
• Participate in community events on behalf of First 5.
• Complete documentation of Service Activities as required
Community Need Addressed
Research indicates a child’s early development of social emotional, literacy and numeracy skills are critical for school success. Economically disadvantaged children and/or children with exceptional needs, such as English language learners are most at-risk for academic failure as they lack access to quality early childhood education programs with linguistically appropriate instruction. Many low-income or non-English speaking parents lack the knowledge/resources needed to play a critical role in their child’s school success.
Position Outcomes
1,144 children will demonstrate gains in school readiness in terms of social and/or emotional development.
1,245 children will demonstrate gains in school readiness in terms of literacy skills.
1,000 children will demonstrate gains in school readiness in terms of numeracy (math) skills.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
a. Service Site Orientation 80 or more hours; Connection to National Service, Community Engagement; Child Development; Assessment Training; Mandated Child Abuse Reporting; Site Specific Technical Training.
b. Ongoing Hours, including site specific (related to member position) trainings; supervision/coaching
c. National Service Days: Make A Difference Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Cesar Chavez Day and AmeriCorps Week
d. Other trainings delivered throughout the year include: Social-Emotional and Cognitive development; Family Literacy Fundamentals; GOLD Curriculum & Activity Development Training; Leadership Active Citizens; Life after AmeriCorps; Cultural Awareness; Conflict Resolution.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, 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, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
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, 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, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, 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, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, 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, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of 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