Jumpstart for Young Children

See schedule o:direct service programmingto realize its vision of kindergarten readiness, Jumpstart engages and trains college student volunteers, known as corps members, to deliver an intentional oral language curriculum to preschool Children in underserved communities. By adding trained adults to preschool classrooms, Jumpstart provides more individualized interactions with Children and enriches the overall language environment in classrooms. Delivery of Jumpstart's curriculum is based on the following key principles: (1) utilize culturally competent, developmentally appropriate practices; (2) engage Children in playful learning experiences; (3) balance adult-led and child-initiated learning; (4) hold high expectations for all Children; and (5) support Children's development in an environment where they feel safe, valued, respected, seen, and heard. Typically, teams of four to six Jumpstart corps members serve in one preschool classroom throughout the school year, developing the language, literacy, and social-emotional skills of their partner Children. Teams of corps members conduct two-hour "Jumpstart sessions" twice per week with their full partner class. Corps members typically serve 2-5 hours of additional individual classroom service (ics) per week, implementing individualized activities with Children and supporting teacher-led activities. Jumpstart sessions have a consistent routine so Children know what to expect and what to do, which is important for developing self-regulation skills. Sessions are a blend of large and small group learning experiences and independent play. To start, corps members introduce Children to the message, themes, and vocabulary of that day's session. A small group shared reading experience helps Children develop an understanding of vocabulary and content knowledge and begin to comprehend connections between characters' mental states and their behavior. Reading is followed by a large group learning time centered around an interactive activity that builds Children's conceptual knowledge and content vocabulary. Next, in center time, Children make choices, experiment, practice new or previously learned skills, and play; corps members engage Children in conversations and activities that support oral language and social-emotional development. Finally, each session closes with an opportunity for Children to share about the day's activities with their peers. Child and member impactin 2022-23, Jumpstart had 2,118 corps members who delivered its evidence-based programming to 6,652 Children in 14 states plus Washington, dc. Corps members reduce the child to adult ratio in every Jumpstart classroom, allowing Children to receive an individualized learning experience that helps them to develop nurturing relationships with caring adults. On average, a majority of Jumpstart Children make gains over the course of the program year in language and literacy skills determined to be predictors of kindergarten readiness and school success. Through the delivery of programming to Children, Jumpstart is also expanding the pipeline of qualified, diverse talent pursuing careers in early education. As reported on the 2022 corps member survey, 86% of corps members expressed interest in a career or higher degree related to their Jumpstart service.