Jumpstart
Through Seattle University’s Jumpstart program, motivated undergraduate students, called corps members, are paired with preschool children in caring and supportive one-to-one relationships for an entire school year. With training and support, these corps members work in teams to help low-income children in preschool classrooms build language, literacy, social and initiative skills. The program allows undergraduates to explore the world of early childhood education, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and increase their awareness of the diverse communities they serve. Seattle University partners with five classrooms in three local schools: Dunlap Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Elementary, and Brighton Elementary.
Corps Member and Returning Corps Member
The Jumpstart Corps member position is open to college students committed to Jumpstart’s mission to work toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed and who are able to serve 8-10 hours per week (for a total of at least 200 to 300 hours, depending on the site) during the school year. Corps members partner with children from low-income backgrounds to help them build skills crucial to school success. Responsibilities include participating in two two-hour Jumpstart sessions each week with partner child and team, participating in two team planning meetings each week, serving four to six hours each week in a preschool classroom during the regular school day, communicating with partner child’s family and sharing strategies for helping the child, participating in intensive pre- and in-service training, and attending periodic service days, usually held on Saturdays.
Team Leader
The Jumpstart team leader position is open to Jumpstart Corps members and alumni who have completed at least one year of service. In some cases, it is also open to undergraduate or graduate students who have early childhood education backgrounds and can serve in a team management role. The team leader serves 10-12 hours per week (for a total of at least 200 to 300 hours, depending on the site) and manages a team of Corps members to provide educational activities to young children and families. Responsibilities include planning and implementing effective Jumpstart sessions, facilitating team meetings, and coaching Corps members to use developmentally appropriate practices with young children. The team leader plays a variety of roles, including coach, trainer, observer, administrator, and manager, and is essential to making Jumpstart a high quality program.
These positions are open to all students, with the opportunity to apply for an Americorps educational award. Work-study positions are available as well.
For more information, contact Aileah Slepski, (206) 296-2339.