Position Overview
Read to a Child’s Read Aloud Mentoring Program pairs a volunteer mentor with an elementary school student for a rewarding weekly read aloud experience either during the child’s lunch or other non-instructional time.
The Program Assistant is responsible for working in conjunction with the Program Coordinator to ensure that volunteer mentors, students and school staff have a positive and meaningful experience. Depending on the needs of the school, coordination of the Read Aloud Mentoring Program may be conducted in-person, virtually, or a combination thereof.
Hours: 2 days a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Hours are approximately 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. twice a week during the school year from October to early June, with training starting in September. An average of 2-6 total hours per week.
Pay: $17/hr
Schedule and Location
Read to a Child is looking for a Program Assistant (PA) who will assist the Program Coordinator at the King Open School in Cambridge, MA to assist in running the on site virtual program and gathering students. The PA will also function as a substitute as needed for additional hours for the planned absences of Program Coordinator. Additional hours will include on site training and assisting on as needed basis with program start up and end of year activities.
Specific Job Responsibilities Will Include All or Some of the Following:
Assist Program Coordinator to ensure that the program starts and runs smoothly
Communicate regularly with Program Coordinator and supervisor as appropriate
Provide logistical/technical support with respect to virtual sessions and provide assistance getting kids to and from the reading session.
Assist Program Coordinator with notifying students, teachers, and potentially volunteer mentors of cancellations or schedule changes
Facilitate and monitor reading sessions to ensure smooth operation of program
In the school setting, ensure that state and school guidelines for hygiene and safety are followed carefully and that rooms are left clean and orderly
Assist in planning and implementing year-end celebration (in person or adapted for virtual setting), as applicable
Attend required Read to a Child training sessions and meetings
Substitute for Program Coordinator as needed
Submit timesheets accurately and on time
Participate in the Performance Evaluation and goal setting process
Key Qualifications:
Commitment to Read to a Child’s mission, viability and growth
Experience working with young children
Enthusiastic about children’s books
Communicates well in person and virtually (eg: Zoom and/or Google Meets)
Commitment to actively and continuously working toward achieving the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals
Extremely organized and adept at successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing according to the organization’s strategic plan - with flexibility and a positive attitude
Comfortable working with and hosting group video conference platforms (eg: Zoom and/or Google Meets) and with Email
Access to transportation
Essential Job Duties For In-Person Positions: The person working in this position will be in a school setting. It involves constant movement throughout the building and designated session areas guiding students to their reading session. Depending on the school, this may require occasionally ascending/descending stairs. It also requires frequent positioning of books and/or program materials of various weights and sizes on a rolling book cart, as well as rolling the book cart to/from various locations within the school.
Diversity Statement: Read to a Child is committed to providing resources to children most impacted by systemic inequalities. We have faith in our students’ ability to thrive when they are provided with equitable resources and choose to focus on their strengths rather than the barriers they face. We are motivated to continuously act on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among reading mentors, staff, and board members so as to best reflect and support the students we serve.
To Apply: Send resume & cover letter outlining your suitability to the tasks and schedule outlined above to emily.zadeh@readtoachild.org
NOTE: Your application will not be considered without a cover letter.
20 WILLIAM ST STE G25, WELLESLEY, MA 02481, US
Read to a Child’s mission is to foster a love of reading, improve literacy skills and support socio-emotional well-being in students from under-resourced communities. Read to a Child’s vision is that every child has the opportunity to thrive in school and beyond through inspirational mentoring and read-aloud experiences.
What is the Read Aloud Mentoring Program?
In Read to a Child’s Read Aloud Mentoring Program, an adult is partnered one-on-one with a student attending one of our partner elementary schools for a rewarding, weekly read aloud experience. The relationship typically lasts for the entire school year and often extends for multiple years through the end of fourth grade. Reading pairs are supported by an on-site Program Coordinator, employed by Read to a Child, and are provided access to a wide selection of appropriate books to read. Most recently, Read to a Child has added a virtual component to the program, enabling mentors and children to connect online via Zoom or Google Meets.
The simple act of reading aloud to a child once a week, over time, can have a profound impact on the child’s future. The Read Aloud Mentoring Program also offers the adult a convenient, joyful, and meaningful way to give back.
850 Cambridge StreetCambridge, MA 02141
July 29, 2024
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