To become a Jumpstart Member, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old or have parent/guardian consent
- Be a US Citizen or Legal Resident
- Be a currently enrolled student at Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be able to serve 300 hours
Commitment to AmeriCorps service
- Experience with community service projects
- Ability to work with people from diverse ethnic, racial, & class backgrounds
- Ability to commit to long-term service
- Enthusiastic & positive attitude towards helping others.
Dedication to early childhood education
- Experience working with young children and/or desire to learn more about early childhood
- Strong language & communication skills
- Willingness to learn about curriculum implementation & planning.
Professionalism
- Ability to work well on a team
- Availability, dependability, & willingness to be flexible
- Maturity & good judgment in relating to peers & program partners, as well as Jumpstart families.
As a Jumpstart Member, you would receive
- Work-Study stipend during the term of service if eligible
- An AmeriCorps Education Award of $1000 upon completion of service term
- Opportunity for extensive training in the field of early childhood education
- The invaluable opportunity to make a difference in the life of a young child
- The very stylish t-shirt and sweat shirt uniform
Expected time commitment during the Jumpstart School Year
All Corps members complete 300 hours of service during the school year. This intensive commitment represents the investment that Jumpstart believes will make a substantial impact in the life of a young child.
Corps member activities during the Jumpstart School Year
- Receive intensive pre-service training, & attend ongoing training workshops
- Attend periodic service days, usually held on Saturdays
- Serve part-time, 8-10 hours per week, during the entire 2008-09 school year
- Participate in Jumpstart sessions with their team and partner child, 4 hours per week
- Serve 4-6 hours per week in a preschool classroom during the regular school day
- Participate in team meetings, which include planning, reflection, and/or training, 1-2 hours per week (either following the Jumpstart team session or at a separate time)
- Communicate with child's family and participate in periodic family involvement events, often held outside normal service hours.
For more information contact Program Coordinator Mymique Baxter at 507-389-6076 or mymique.baxter@mnsu.edu
