"AmeriCorps Member serving in the Robinson Community Learning Center's Preschools"

The Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) is an off-campus educational initiative of the University of Notre Dame that champions South Bend by promoting innovation and excellence. As a force multiplier, the Robinson Center leverages community and Notre Dame partners to provide educational opportunities for all ages, enhance existing systems, and build individual and regional capacity. AmeriCorps members serving at RCLC share in the center's commitment to hospitality, education, partnership, civic engagement, and sustainability.

AmeriCorps' mission is to bring Americans together by strengthening communities. RCLC programs in which AmeriCorps members are placed include: preschool classrooms, after school tutoring and enrichment programs, Shakespeare and drama integration, senior outreach, La Casa de Amistad partnership and the Moreau College Initiative at the Westville Correctional Facility.

AmeriCorps members serving in the preschool serve in one of two RCLC preschool sites: RCLC Main Campus Preschool (1004 N Eddy Street, South Bend, IN 46617) and RCLC Sunnyside Preschool (115 S. Frances Street, South Bend, IN 46617).

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Assist with implementation of RCLC daily preschool programs that run Monday-Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm, throughout the academic school year and summer, and serve 15 children, ages 3-5 years.
• Foster a healthy learning environment by attending to each child's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in a nurturing and language/literacy-rich environment.
• Train in and adhere to health, safety, and emergency care protocols and sanitation guidelines, creating an environment that fosters individual and group learning, and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Work with RCLC Program Director to explore opportunities to expand existing programming to include additional activities, times, or sites.
• Assist with program evaluation, which may include working with staff to ensure that pre-post testing is completed at appropriate times and the results collected, and distributing/collecting evaluation surveys.
• Assist in recruiting/coordination of volunteers to participate in RCLC programs, and maintain ongoing communication with volunteers and Volunteer Coordinator. Support volunteers during/after RCLC activities.
• Support the documentation of RCLC program activities through photographs and text, and submit information regularly to the RCLC web site and social media.
• Oversee special projects as requested, and work with RCLC program staff to coordinate special events.
• Attend weekly AmeriCorps meetings at the RCLC.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: The amount of the living allowance depends on the AmeriCorps member status and is divided into bi-monthly payments. $21,000: Total living allowance for Full-time Members (1,700 hours of service), $11,000: Total living allowance for Half-time Members (900 hours of service), $5,000: Total living allowance for Quarter-time Members (450 hours of service), $4,000: Total living allowance for Minimum-time Members (300 hours of service).
• Education Award: After successfully completing the AmeriCorps term of service and enrolling in the National Service Trust, members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Awards can be used to repay qualified student loans, pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs, or saved for up to 7 years for future educational use. $7,395: Education award for Full-time Members (1,700 hours of service), $3,697.50: Education award for Half-time Members (900 hours of service), $1,956.35: Education award for Quarter-time Members (450 hours of service), $1,565.08: Education award for Minimum-time Members (300 hours of service).

Development Opportunities:

• Training and experience gained in education and workforce development. Possible professional certifications include: Child Development Associate (CDA) and Child and Youth Care Worker (CYC) Certification.
• Opportunity to take on and lead multiple projects.
• Service in a non-profit setting.
• Chance to collaborate with a variety of community partners (including schools and other non-profit agencies) and Notre Dame departments.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent communication skills--both oral and written. Interest in education, working with under-resourced families, and community development. Public speaking and the ability to teach/train others. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time. Proficiency in Google Suite and adeptness with various social media platforms. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Flexibility to work in a variety of settings. Sensitivity, compassion, and listening skills required to work with a diverse audience including: RCLC staff, volunteers, and fellow AmeriCorps members, Notre Dame and community partners, RCLC participants, ranging in age from early childhood through senior citizens, Neighborhood residents and families of RCLC youth.
• Minimum Academic Qualifications: High School Diploma required.
• Preferred Qualifications: Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred. Experience working with youth. Bilingual skills a plus.