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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do Jumpstart Corps Members serve?
Corps Members at GW serve 300 hours over the school year. This translates to approximately 12 hours per week.
How many children do I work with throughout the year?
Corps members are partnered with one child during Jumpstart Sessions in order to become "experts" on their child's interests, strengths and skills and to provide valuable one-to-one attention. Corps members also work with a group of children serving in a Jumpstart classroom during Classroom Assistance Time.
Can I complete my hours anytime during the week?
Yes and no. Jumpstart sessions occur twice each week - on Mondays and Wednesdays 2:30-5:30pm or 3:00-6:00pm or Tuesdays and Thursdays (during the same times). At the beginning of each year, Corps members elect to be on a Monday/Wednesday team or a Tuesday/Thursday team. The times for other hours each week vary and often depend on the respective schedules of the Corps member and preschool.
Do I need to be
eligible for Federal Work Study to participate?
No. Both volunteers and
Federal Work Study students are eligible to participate. The same
expectations and responsibilities apply regardless of Federal Work Study status
and all Corps Members receive a $1000 Americorps education award upon
completion of service.
What makes Jumpstart different from other OCS opportunities?
Several things make Jumpstart unique:
- The opportunity to make
a difference in a child's life by forming a strong relationship
through one-to-one work for an entire year
- The emphasis on
intrinsically motivated teaching and learning through play
- Working on a team and
making friends with 8-10 other GW students
- Opportunity to
experience and serve neighborhoods outside Foggy Bottom
- Being part of a national
network
- Receiving intensive
pre-service training in early childhood education
- The chance to be a kid
again!
How do I get to the preschools?
All sites are off-campus and are accessible by Metro, bus or walking. Corps members are responsible for transportation; however, many students travel to sites in groups. Allow 20-30 minutes for travel each way.
Do I need previous experience in early childhood education?
No. While previous experience is certainly a plus, Jumpstart Corps members traditionally have a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and majors. In addition, each Corps member goes through intensive pre-service training before working with children in a classroom.
I have a schedule conflict and/or I am considering studying abroad during second semester. Can I still participate in the program this semester?
No. For various reasons (most importantly, it is important to develop a relationship with the partner child), Corps members commit for the entire academic year. Specifically, schedule conflicts preclude program participation if they interfere with the Jumpstart sessions (Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30-5:30pm or 3:00-6:00pm). Additionally, Corps members must remain on the same days (M/W or T/TH) for the entire year.
In rare cases, opportunities arise for students to begin Jumpstart at the beginning of the spring semester. However, these positions are not guaranteed. (Contact jstart@gwu.edu for more information)
This sounds great! How do I get involved?
Recruitment takes place in the spring and first few weeks of fall for the upcoming academic year. Selection occurs in mid-September. If you are interested in applying, visit the Office of Community Service (OCS), 2129 G St NW, or apply online at www.jstart.org.
Unfortunately, I am unable to be a Corps member this year. Are there other ways to get involved in the program?
Sure! Jumpstart participates in various service opportunities throughout the year. For example, each spring Jumpstart spearheads Jumpstart for a Day (JFAD), an educational carnival in which Jumpstart hosts pre-school children from across the District on the Mount Vernon campus. In addition, volunteers and sponsors are frequently needed for service events throughout the school year.
Still
have Questions? Contact:
Brittany
Oliver, Site Manager
e-mail: jstart@gwu.edu
phone:
(202)994-0833
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