Black Child Development Institute

Project Ideas

• Literacy Tutor

After School literacy tutors work with 2nd and 3rd grade students in one-on-one sessions utilizing A2i software technology to strengthen students’ reading fluency and comprehension skills. Literacy tutors participate in an orientation process conducted by the Black Child Development Institute. Tutors receive support from site coordinators.

Expectations

• Pass a CMS background check

• Attend initial orientation and training sessions

• Able to work at least 4 hours per week over multiple days.

• Commit to work consistent hours for minimum of one school year

• Attend all tutoring shifts with assigned grade 2/3 students

• Be a positive role model inside and outside of the classroom, be professional in workplace behavior.

• Have fun! Kids look up to you and you will learn more about our community through their eyes; this is truly a reciprocal partnership.

Students will be required to commute to local University Meadows Elementary School by personal vehicle, car pool or public transportation.

• Family Literacy Engagement Specialist

Family Literacy Engagement Specialists play a critical role in their communities by engaging families and equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to help their children improve their reading skills. Reading is crucial for full participation in civic life and economic opportunity. If children can’t read proficiently by the end of third grade, they lose confidence, are four times more likely to drop out of school, and struggle in life. Students who serve as family literacy engagement specialists will enjoy a rich opportunity to give back to their community by impacting the trajectory of children’s lives, gain valuable work experience and new skills, and earn money. Duties include assisting with family outreach activities conducted by the Black Child Development Institute (BCDI) to expand the Reading Checkup literacy skill tool to families with children in Pre-K to 4th grade in targeted communities.

Tasks may include:

• Contacting potential event hosts, such as grocery stores, local churches and community centers.

• Assisting with event logistics, including scheduling times and locations, obtaining materials, and designing the event flow.

• Providing instruction to parents and/or children to enable them to use Reading Checkup. (Virtual or in-person)

• Gathering and analyzing data to measure event outcomes.

• Assisting BCDI staff with additional operational tasks as needed.