Through AmeriCorps, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) was awarded $260,000 to implement a program that supports existing child care providers as they earn college credits while Corps members become knowledgeable and skilled in the early education field through direct experience, training, and credit-based opportunities. The Celebrate Children Foundation and The Greater Milwaukee Foundation each contributed $25,000 to the project as well.

WECA is now accepting applications from centers who wish to participate in this new program! Greater Milwaukee Area child care centers with 2 or more T.E.A.C.H. scholars are eligible to apply for an AmeriCorps staff volunteer. A maximum of 20 centers in the Greater Milwaukee Area will be chosen to participate.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Applications can be mailed to you or downloaded from the WECA website. If your site is chosen, an AmeriCorps member will serve on-site approximately 32 hours per week for 10 months –  providing release time for T.E.A.C.H. recipients. Corps members may also provide non-release time staffing and will complete five quality improvement projects for your center.

Corps members will be recruited, screened, trained and mentored by WECA AmeriCorps staff. Corps members will complete ECE coursework before and during their service on-site. Participating sites will pay a total of $7,000 per Corps member.

For more information contact Autumn Gehri or Pam McQuin at WECA. Or call 1-800-783-9322, extension 7240.