AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative

AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative Barbara Gunderson, AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative Director Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation 507-455-3215 x134 barbarag@smifoundation.org www.smifoundation.org

20 AmeriCorps members in the LEAP (Learning Early Achieves Potential) Initiative build social/emotional school readiness skills of preschool children and support parents in learning dialogic reading techniques to build bonds within home routines for school readiness skills. Both parents and citizen volunteers are educated on the connection of brain development to healthy social/emotional skills sets and the Search Institutes 40 early childhood development assets that insure a strong early childhood foundation for learning, achieving and succeeding in school and in life. Members also engage community youth in service learning early childhood development and education. The serve their communities by acting as positive role models and support for families with children, 0-5.

Essential qualification to participate in AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative: Two years post high school (work or education) / college degree preferred Passion for children and interest in serving community Want to make a difference for families with young children, and are dedicated to serving community and working as part of a team Spanish fluency, Arabic, or Somali or other 2nd language a plus Top reasons that members like serving in AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative: Experience in community serving children Energy and education around this issue area Experience in service and community connections Personal strength-based leadership development for career focus/development Print this page