Overview of Program:

This program is in direct service with children and is an entry level position. Ideal candidates will have a passion for service, a growth mindset and an interest in serving with young children. Members will serve in an Early Childhood Education Center as a teacher in training in either an infant/toddler setting or a preschool setting. Children in Early Childhood Education Centers range in age from 0-5 years old. Members will serve 40 hours a week from Monday-Friday, with specific time allocated for training, continuing education. Will be supported by the AmeriCorps Program Manager as well as an On-site Supervisor that will work with the member(s) at their service location. Members will meet regularly with both the Program Manager and the Site Supervisor to ensure their success. You will have the opportunity to connect with young children and provide Early Childhood Education through age-appropriate activities, lessons and strategies provided by your Site Supervisor and lead teacher. Training, and continuing education will be provided during your time of service. Position will vary slightly based on site placement.

Duties:

• Members will serve in an Early Childhood Education center and support the classroom lead teacher with lesson planning, schedules, routines, circle time and planned activities. Members will work closely with a lead teacher and develop their communication and interpersonal skills.
• Under the guidance of the lead teacher, members will have the chance to further develop the skills they are learning in a hands-on setting by leading circle time and supporting students during lessons and activities. They will also engage children in the educational curriculum, imaginative play, books, toys, and various learning opportunities.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude while focusing on each individual child and groups of children. Provide hands-on and active support and care to young children either in an infant, toddler or preschool setting in a developmentally appropriate manner.
• Model healthy behavior and communication to the children in order to reinforce and foster healthy social skills for the children. Members will focus on interacting with children in a nurturing and responsive way.
• Help to ensure a safe and hazard-free working environment in order to keep children safe. This may include making sure gates and doors are latched closed, food is cut to appropriate sizes, hazardous items such as scissors are put away and out of reach of children, and that center is kept clean.
• Members will implement positive behavioral framework tools and strategies which are provided to them during their service term in order to help children work through difficult behaviors while providing them with a safe environment to work through their emotions.
• 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, assisting with snack time and bottle time.

Qualifications:

• A service driven individual who is passionate about Early Childhood Education. Certify that they have or will obtain their high school diploma, GED or equivalent to be in accordance with the PD manual requirements
• Be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
• Pass a national service criminal history check
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent resident
• Enjoys working with young children and a desire to use positive behavioral strategies as provided during your service year
• Willingness to participate in continuing education and trainings to further your Early Childhood knowledge
• Must be comfortable being active and moving around throughout the day. The position will require sitting and kneeling on the floor, standing and walking
• Open to serving with a variety of humans who may have diffe ent beliefs or values than yourself.
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, though not a requirement

Benefits:

• Continuing education provided during your time in the program with the intention to become Assistant or Lead teacher credentialed to improve outlook in the ECE industry
• Specialized trainings in positive behavioral trainings including the Pyramid Model
• Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service in the amount of $7,395.
• Living Allowance in the amount of $813.04 paid semi-monthly
• Health care is available, if applicable
• Childcare coverage if member qualifies
• Student loan forbearance for eligible loans during your service term
• Member Performance Evaluation during the term provided by your site supervisor
• Modest housing stipend provided monthly
• Wellness benefit that can be used on your choice of wellness activity to benefit your mental health
• Monthly cohort check-ins and activities and monthly individual check-ins; In-person cohort orientation at start of program
• Strong AmeriCorps Alumni network after completion of term

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on How to Apply to view application information. You must be registered with Connecting Colorado to view the application information (registration is available at no cost).