OSU Kid Corps - Program Position Description, 2009-2010

OSU Kid Corps, Americorps, and Ohio Community Service Council logos

What is OSU Kid Corps?

OSU Kid Corps is designed to help at risk preschoolers enter school prepared to succeed. The program focuses specifically on enhancing preschoolers' cognitive development so they have the pre-literacy competence needed to succeed, and on providing experiences that foster the positive interactions with other children needed for development of pro-social skills and the ability to control their own behavior. The program is also designed to support families' involvement in their children's educational experiences.

These commitments to children's success are accomplished through engaging Ohio State University students in service to the community. Students involved in the program will gain professional development experience as well as a better understanding of the importance of community involvement. The community as a whole will benefit not only from its children developing school success skills, but also from the partnership with the university and access to additional resources.

What is the Position?

OSU Kid Corps members will serve on a part time basis (a minimum of 11 hours per week) during the 2009-10 school year. OSU Kid Corps will serve just over 250 preschool children (and their families) enrolled in early childhood centers that provide services for children who are considered at-risk for achievement in school (Headstart programs). The program will focus on enhancing the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional development of the children along with providing respectful support to families and educational support to childcare providers.

The service activities of OSU Kid Corps fall into four main areas:

Direct interaction between trained OSU student Corps members and center-based preschoolers in small groups. The small groups' activities are designed to develop pre-literacy skills and to foster the positive interactions with peers and adults that are needed for the development of pro-social skills and the ability to control one's own behavior. Corps members will be trained in and use evidence-based models for developing pre-literacy and behavioral skills.
Support of parents' involvement in their children's education through contact between student Corps members and parents. Corps members will be equipped to provide parents with materials for research-based activities and resources for increasing children's literacy, social skills, and physical health.
Provision of research-based activities and resources to teachers and other workers in early childhood centers in collaboration with faculty and staff in the College of Human Ecology.
Outreach activities conducted by OSU student Corps members that are designed to extend research-based models and skills to home-based childcare providers.

Who Are We Looking For?

Students at The Ohio State University who:

Are eligible for Federal Work Study Awards.
Are experienced in working with children or who possess a strong desire and dedication to work with children.
Have strong language and communication skills.
Have the ability to build relationships with children and families.
Are willing to learn about best practices in early childhood development and education.
Have a commitment to community service.
Have the ability to work with children and families from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.
Have the ability to work well on a team.

What is the Time Commitment?

All Kid Corps members will complete at least 300 hours of service throughout the 2009-10 school year.
A minimum of 11 hours per week is required (6 hours of pre-determined session times and an additional 5 hours of community outreach service flexibly scheduled).
You will select a session time and serve in that time all year.

How and When Am I Paid?

You'll earn a Federal Work Study compensation rate of $9.35/hour. You will be paid on a bi-weekly basis via direct deposit into your bank account.
Upon successful completion of 300 hours of service, you will earn a $1,000 AmeriCorps Education Award.

What Other Benefits Will I Get?

This is an excellent opportunity for professional development in the field of early childhood development and education as well as an opportunity for important community service.

Return to Application Information.

The Ohio State University

www.osu.edu