Parent Connection Program Coordinator (AmeriCorps)

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1994, Aspire! Afterschool Learning (Aspire!) provides innovative, results-driven out-of-school time programs to support expanded learning opportunities for children from low-income, immigrant, and refugee households.

Learning ROCKS! is an original Aspire! program, achieving real results for more than 100 3rd-5th grade students at risk of falling into the achievement gap through daily afterschool and summer programs. Each year, more than 90% of our students improve their reading instructional levels. Aspire!'s flagship Learning ROCKS! Program supports upper-elementary students' general academic achievement and social-emotional development, placing a heavy emphasis on helping students to develop both their reading skills and a love of reading.

The Learning Links AmeriCorps Program provides a critical link across the three main aspects of a child’s daily experience: at school; after school and in the summer; and at home/in the community. Toward this end, Aspire partners closely with and supports both schools and parents. 

The Parent Connection Program, which is implemented by the Parent & Community AmeriCorps Member, is an integral component of Aspire's program and has three overarching objectives, each of which contributes to healthy homes and communities in which children can thrive:

1) Parents are able to effectively engage in and support their child’s education;

2) Adults are able to form safe, productive home and community environments; and

3) Adults are able to develop their individual skills and interests and to become community leaders. These objectives are met through regular topic-based Parent Connection workshops across three sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate Parent Connection Program activities at three Aspire sites. Plan workshops to fall within specific program themes, including securing partner organizations to conduct workshops;
• Recruit parents and adults to participate in Parent Connection and other relevant programs/activities;
• Support parents and adults in the community, including making referrals for other services as needed;
• Conduct periodic focus groups with residents and adult participants to determine interest and need;
• Support collaboration among Aspire's community partners with regard to adult/parent programming;
• Implement regular program evaluations to determine program effectiveness;
• Provide translation and interpretation for workshops and other activities as needed;
• Develop and share reports on Parent Connection Program activities, as required;
• Provide periodic direct service support to the Learning ROCKS! Afterschool & Summer Program;
• Travel regularly across sites (all within 1.5 miles of each other); personal transportation helpful but not required;
• Participate in required AmeriCorps and/or National Days of Service projects; and
• Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and agreements of the organization.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien;
• High school graduate or equivalent, at least 17 years old;
• Bilingual Spanish and English skills, including reading, writing, and conversation helpful;
• Commitment to local, community-based organizations;
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Professional communication skills – ability to interact well with children, parents, community members/partners, volunteers, program staff, and high-level supports including Board Members;
• Interest in and sensitivity to working with people from a variety of cultures and ethnic groups;
• Self-motivated, independent, and resourceful; and
• A great sense of humor!

TIME COMMITMENT

• Term of service: Immediate to August 2022; and
• Full-time or part-time, 30-40 hours/week commitment, including some evening and weekend activities.
• During the school year, general hours are from 10am – 6:00pm Some morning and evening hours are required to fulfill school placement responsibilities and support the Parent Connection Program.
• This is a 900 hour AmeriCorps position.

BENEFITS

• Eligible for an $1,577.33/month living stipend and a financial Segal Education Award of $5176.50.
• Additional benefits include training, student-loan forbearance or deferment, health care benefits, and, depending on eligibility, childcare assistance;
• Corps Members receive time off for federal holidays, winter break and spring break, as well as personal days off
• Aspire is committed to strengthening Corps Members’ professional and personal development. Corps Members will receive training in a variety of topics including: content areas, tutoring skills, child development, behavior management, education theory, leadership skills, and team building. Additionally, Corps Members will have significant autonomy and ownership over many aspects of programming and service.

Aspire! Afterschool Learning’s AmeriCorps program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the position is contingent upon funding approval.

Aspire! Afterschool Learning’s shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services.