Building the Early Childhood Education Workforce
The research is clear that high-quality early childhood education improves children’s health and well-being, leading them on a path for success in school and in life. Decades of studies and policy work in the field reinforce that these positive outcomes depend upon an early childhood education (ECE) workforce that is well trained, supported, and fairly compensated.
That’s where Jumpstart comes in!
With more than twenty years of experience recruiting and training college students to serve as volunteers in preschools, we believe that college students have the potential to transform the ECE workforce. Jumpstart’s Corps members receive high-quality training and ongoing coaching while they deliver our research-based curriculum to children living in low-income communities. Corps members not only acquire valuable workforce skills but also experience first-hand the rewards of working in the early education sector.
76% of Jumpstart Corps members plan to pursue careers in education or public service, and many choose to pursue a career in early education and care.
To build a better trained, supported, and compensated workforce for young children, Jumpstart is committed to providing:
- Exposure to the ECE field and hands-on experience in the classroom either through the traditional school year program or various other teaching opportunities. In some cases, this will lead to licensure or credentialing, helping move alumni directly into teaching positions.
- Competency-based training, in addition to ongoing coaching, mentoring, and career-focused job placement.
- New partnerships and fellowship opportunities with school districts, organizations, and other entities that will create pathways to teaching jobs for recent alumni.
- Innovative approaches and models that allow us to reach more children and place more Jumpstart alumni in classrooms across the country.
