Eastern Michigan University's Jumpstart Program, which
helps improve readiness for school for at-risk children,
has earned the highest evaluation scores in the nation
among 65 participating campuses.
"The scores reflect the dedication and passion that the
students have for the children in our community. Our students
volunteer many hours to make this program a success," said
Christie Cadmus, program coordinator for EMU's Jumpstart. "It
is great to have the recognition for our program, especially
because it was the first year for our program."
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JUMP TO THE TOP: EMU's
Jumpstart Program,
which
helps improve readiness for
school in at-risk
children, has
earned the highest evaluation
scores
in the nation among 65
participating campuses. |
The Jumpstart Program, which is part of the University's
Center for Community Service, recruited 36 EMU students
to work one-to-one with preschool children in Ypsilanti
for twice-weekly sessions and additional time assisting
teachers in the classroom. The college mentors, known as
Jumpstart Corps members, have been trained in best practices
from the field of early childhood education and are part
of a growing national service movement as AmeriCorps members.
The Jumpstart Corps members taught at EMU's Children's
Institute, Washtenaw Headstart, Parkridge Community
Center and the Ypsilanti Housing Commission. Approximately
100 preschoolers have been helped with their literacy skills
since EMU began the program last year.
While many Jumpstart preschoolers enter the program at
the same level as or behind their peers, they actually
finish the year having made greater gains across two important
sub-scales — language and literacy skills and initiative
and social relations skills — related to school success,
Cadmus said.
EMU's program saw a 16-percent gain in their children's
language, literacy, initiative and social relations skills.
Scores are based on the modified High/Scope Educational
Research Foundation's Child Observation Record (COR) and
the Jumpstart School Success Checklist.
"I truly admire the dedication from the parents, teachers
and staff of the EMU Children's Institute. They have
supported the program and inspired the students to perform
their job," Cadmus said.
The Jumpstart Program is part of VISION (Volunteers Incorporating
Service Into Our Neighborhoods), which is dedicated to
helping students, and staff become actively involved in
service, social issues and community needs. VISION is part
of Campus Life and Diversity Programs.
