Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Interested UM students can apply by completing the online application at https://application.jstart.org/ The position is Corps Member. If you are interested in other positions with Jumpstart, visit Other Positions.
What are the requirements for becoming a Corps member?
Students receive extensive training in the field of early childhood education, so previous experience is not required. The qualifications are: dedication to early childhood education, a commitment to service, and professionalism. All students are asked to commit to Jumpstart for the entire academic year.
What is the time commitment?
Students work about 8-12 hours per week, and complete 300 hours over the course of the academic year. This time includes Training, Sessions, Classroom Assistance Time, Team Planning Meetings, and Events. Students are not expected to work during finals week or any breaks, but can earn hours doing Classroom Assistance Time. To learn more about the time commitment, visit What Do Corps Members Do?
Do session times stay the same throughout the year?
Only session times remain the same throughout the year. For example, if you want to have an 8:30-10:30 Monday/Wednesday session time for the Fall quarter, we ask that you schedule your winter and spring quarter classes so that you can attend session during that same time. We do this so that students can remain in the same class and can work with the same partner child throughout the year. This model provides a better experience for students and children who participate in Jumpstart. Worried about scheduling issues?
Contact Us.
What happens if my schedule changes unexpectedly?
We make every effort to work with students around scheduling issues. If your schedule changes unexpectedly, you should Contact Us as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.
Where are the preschools?
Jumpstart collaborates with four preschools in the Ann Arbor area.
How do we get to the preschools?
Most of our preschools are accessible by bus, and most of our teams either carpool to the preschools or take the bus together. You can find bus schedules and door to door instructions by using The Ride-Ann Arbor.
Do I get to choose where I work?
We make every effort to place students on teams based on their preferences, however scheduling and team size usually determine where people are placed. If you have a site or team preference, please let us know.
Can I earn academic credit through Jumpstart?
Yes. ED 384, Literacy Development and the Young Child is offered in the fall. For more information on earning credit with Jumpstart or using it as a service placement, Contact Us.
How do I find out if I have Work Study?
Students who filled out the FAFSA and indicated they were interested in Work Study should have already received an award letter from the Office of Student Financial Aid. If you still are not sure, you should contact the Work Study Office at the Office of Financial Aid, 2500 Student Activities Building, 515 E. Jefferson. Phone: 734.763.6600.
What if I am not eligible for Work Study?
Jumpstart accepts students who are not work study eligible as volunteers. Those students enjoy all the normal benefits, including academic credit and a $1,132 scholarship (for completing 300 hours) as of Spring 2011. Volunteers have to complete the same amount of hours and are required to attend all the sessions, training, team planning meetings, classroom assistance time, and events as work study students.
What if I cannot make the time commitment for this year?
If you are interested but do not think you can make the commitment for the year Contact Us so we can discuss your situation. We also have events and other ways that students can get involved with Jumpstart. For more information, visit Volunteer Events.
