The mission of the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) is to welcome community and Notre Dame partners that strengthen the Northeast Neighborhood of South Bend through relationship building and educational opportunities. By promoting innovation and excellence, the Center builds individual capacity and enhances existing systems throughout South Bend. The work of the RCLC addresses five goals to accomplish this mission: Hospitality, Education, Partnership, Civic Engagement, and Sustainability.

The RCLC Early Childhood Program offers a preschool program, five days a week, for children, ages 3-5, whose parents are enrolled in the RCLC English as a New Language (ENL) classes as well as for children of community members. This program aims to expand literacy experience for parents and children. The RCLC Preschool follows the HighScope curriculum that is a play-based learning environment with a focus on child-led experiences.


Position Summary:
1. The AmeriCorps member will work alongside the preschool teacher, assisting in implementation of a 5-day-per week preschool program which serves families enrolled in the ENL program run by the South Bend Community School Corporation at the RCLC, as well as community families.
2. The AmeriCorps member will help plan and implement summer camps for 4- and 5-year olds.


Specific Responsibilities include:
• Help develop and implement a full-day early childhood program. serving 15 children. This includes: recruiting participants, curriculum planning, interacting with children, communicating with parents, conducting family literacy activities, and record-keeping.
• Help train and recruit CEL (Community Engaged Learning) students and college volunteers to work in the Preschool. Assist with evaluation and reflection for all volunteers/work study/CEL teachers.
• Work with the Indiana State Licensing program, the Family Connection, and Path to Quality to continue to improve the Preschool environment and programming. This involves maintaining compliance with required standards, generating reports, and facilitating visits to the Preschool classroom for agency officials.
• Conduct home visits for new families and do twice yearly conferences with families.
• Document activities through photographs and text, and submit information regularly to the RCLC web site and Facebook page, as well as to the CORAdvantage online assessment system.
• Oversee and coordinate special projects as requested
• Attend weekly RCLC staff meetings.
• Attend weekly AmeriCorps meetings/trainings at the RCLC.
Attend two-day ServeIndiana/AmeriCorps conference in Indianapolis, Nov. 15-16, 2023


AmeriCorps is a national service organization aimed at helping communities meet needs in areas including education by building the capacity of community organizations. AmeriCorps provides funding for the RCLC to engage a total of 12 full-time AmeriCorps members during 2023-2024.

These are considered service positions, rather than traditional “jobs”. Full-Time AmeriCorps members are expected to complete 1700 hours of service by July 31, 2024. The AmeriCorps members will receive a Living Allowance in equal installments throughout the 11-month term of service. On completion of 1700 hours of service, members will receive an Education Award which can be used for future education or student loans payment.

Full-Time AmeriCorps members will be compensated as follows:

Monthly Living allowance: $1600 for 11 months
Education Award: $6895
individual Health Insurance provided free of charge
Child Care Assistance (if eligible)

- High School Diploma required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Early Childhood Education coursework or CDA a plus.

Bilingual a plus.

Additional Qualifications include:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Interest in education, working with at-risk youth and community development.
- Public speaking and the ability to teach/train others.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
- Computer skills including Google Suite and social media.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work in a variety of settings.
- Sensitivity, compassion and listening skills required to work with a diverse audience including: RCLC staff, volunteers, fellow AmeriCorps members, Notre Dame and community partners, participants (ranging in age from early childhood through senior citizens), neighborhood residents and families of youth participants.

- High school diploma required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Early Childhood Education coursework or CDA a plus.
-Bilingual a plus

Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm