Jumpstart Direct Service Summer
Program Associate
About Jumpstart
Jumpstart is a national early education organization that recruits and trains college students and
community volunteers to work with preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. Through a proven
curriculum, these children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for school,
setting them on a path to close the achievement gap before it is too late. Join us to work toward the day
every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Learn more at www.jstart.org.
Position Overview
The Jumpstart Direct Service Summer Program Associate is a 13 week (35 hour/week) experience
working directly with our Summer Interns. Interns will be serving preschool children in Bronx, NY. This
is a unique opportunity to work within a regional program team to pilot a new summer initiative. The
Program Associate will be responsible for all aspects of summer programming, including but not limited
to: quality monitoring through observation and feedback at the preschool centers; coaching, modeling
and working directly with the intern group; facilitating training topics and working with center staff for
data collection. The Summer Program Associate will work closely with the Senior Director of Program to
gather feedback at all levels to improve programmatic quality and efficacy.
The Summer Program Associate will be managed by the Senior Director of Program for Region 2.
Specific RESPONSIBILITIES
The Summer Program Associate will develop a deeper understanding of Early Childhood Education
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Facilitating the Jumpstart training series for interns; developing a professional development
training curriculum for interns when necessary throughout their experience
Observe Jumpstart sessions to monitor the quality of interactions between interns and children
and the implementation of the planned curriculum
Design and facilitate the Hot Topic conversations on Monday at team meetings
Supporting the Interns with the design and implementation of their own lesson plans in the last
weeks of the program
The Summer Program Associate will have the opportunity for leadership experience by:
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Providing coaching and feedback to interns based on observations related to Jumpstart’s
standards of quality
Observing and supporting Monday team meetings to monitor the quality of team
collaboration, meeting facilitation and the preparation for session implementation
Providing interns with systematic supervision and support, consistent and responsive
management, and clear ongoing communication
The Summer Program Associate will have the opportunity for leadership within the local
Community Engagement efforts by:
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Building strong relationships with preschool staff
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Representing Jumpstart at partner preschool center and in the community
Collaborating with Community Events Manager to design and implement 2 summer family
events
The Summer Program Associate will develop a deeper understanding of non-profit management
by:
o Working closely with the Senior Director of Program to develop and carry out a
comprehensive feedback loop to improve program efficacy
o Working as a key member of the regional team; including participation in all staff meetings
and workgroups
o Completing tasks associated with evaluation, data collection and file compliance
o Working, at times, autonomously to develop strategies, tools and resources for the
betterment of the program
Qualifications
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Commitment to Jumpstart’s mission and values of learning, determination, connection, joy, and
kindness
Must have completed at least three years of post-secondary education in the education field or
related field.
Must be comfortable interacting with people who have a wide variety of backgrounds,
experiences, and identities.
Able to manage several tasks and situations simultaneously.
Able to be flexible and up to the task of managing a pilot initiative
Organized, detail oriented and able to meet tight deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Competent with Microsoft Office Applications.
Is a self-starter and highly motivated. Experience working in an early childhood setting and/or
knowledge of early childhood development
Ability to work effectively and sensitively with children and families from low-income
communities
Community service experience
Prior Jumpstart corps member experience; team leader experience preferred
Ability to fulfill commitment to a 13 week summer only commitment (~May 18 until Aug 14)
Enthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping others
Commitment & Stipend
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13 week position running May 18-August 14, 2015 (off July 4)
o May 18-22: Pre-program launch and logistics; set up with Senior Program Director
o May 26-29: Support in the facilitation of intensive pre-service trainings
o June 1- July 31: Monitor and support service in the classroom and community
o August 3-14: program and evaluation wrap up
Work ~35 hours per week during the summer including:
o Monitoring Jumpstart sessions with team; up to 2 days per week
o Prepping for Team planning meetings, which include planning, reflection, and materials
preparation, up to 2 hours per week
o Weekly meetings with interns and regional staff, 2 hours per week
o Preparation for Jumpstart sessions and Hot Topic discussions
Attend 2 family event service days, most likely held on a Saturday
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A one-time $3,000 stipend to be paid to Associate upon completion of 13 weeks of service
Location
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Training and professional development placement in Manhattan, NY
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Preschool placements in Bronx, NY
To Apply
Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to regiontwojobs@jstart.org. Your cover letter
should reflect your desire to work in a preschool classroom and explain how your experiences relate to
the Direct Service Summer Program Associate position specifically. *Online applications and resumes
will not be accepted at this time. Please email all application materials directly to the address above.*
Jumpstart is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability or any
other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.
Please visit our website at www.jstart.org.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate
in the application process.