AmeriCorps Preschool Service Corps (PSC) is a service year program operated by United Way Monterey County that places AmeriCorps members in preschool classrooms across Monterey County, California. Members support young children’s early literacy and language development while gaining hands-on experience in education, receiving professional training, a monthly living stipend, and an AmeriCorps education award. PSC empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children as they explore careers in early childhood education and build essential professional skills.
BUILDING STRONG FUTURES IN MONTEREY COUNTY
We help children get the strong start they deserve by strengthening the foundation for lifelong success.
Because when children thrive, communities grow stronger.
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Many children in our community face significant challenges in early education.
- Only 29% of children demonstrate kindergarten readiness
- Just 27% show adequate social and self-development skills
- Only 29% meet math benchmarks
- Only 26% meet language and literacy benchmarks
Nearly 70% of children in Monterey County enter
kindergarten behind in language and literacy.
WHY EARLY EDUCATION MATTERS
Without early support, these language and literacy gaps can persist throughout a child’s academic journey, making it harder to build confidence, keep pace in the classroom, and reach their full potential. The Monterey County Preschool Service Corps (PSC) is working to close these gap by providing:
- Consistent, play-based, child-directed tutoring
- Individualized literacy support to preschoolers
- A two-generation impact:
- Children gain critical early learning skills
- Members gain career-ready experience
High-quality early childhood education programs can yield up to a 13% return on investment, improving education, economic, health, and social outcomes.
WHAT IS THE PRESCHOOL SERVICE CORPS?
The Monterey County Preschool Service Corps recruits, trains, and places AmeriCorps members as language and literacy tutors in preschool classrooms across the county. Members work alongside educators to support young learners during a critical stage of development.
WHERE WE SERVE
PSC members are placed in preschool classrooms throughout:
- Castroville
- Gonzales
- Greenfield
- King City
- Monterey
- Salinas
- Seaside
WHAT MEMBERS DO IN THE CLASSROOM
Create individualized plans
for assigned children
Provide tutoring sessions
each day
Support language and literacy
development through play
Build relationships with
children and partners
WHAT MEMBERS DO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Beyond the classroom, members participate in National Service days and community events that support children and families across Monterey County. These experiences, aligned with AmeriCorps and California Volunteers priorities, help members build leadership skills, engage with their community, and grow professionally throughout their service year.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
PSC members receive comprehensive training, including:
- Education & Classroom Skills
- Early language and literacy development
- Small-group instruction strategies
- English Language Development
- Trauma-informed practices
- Professional Development
- Resume and career readiness
- Data and impact storytelling
- Classroom resource management
- Certifications
- CPR / First Aid / AED
- Safety and compliance training
DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE IN EARLY EDUCATION
Are you exploring a career in education or looking for a meaningful new direction? Join the Monterey County Preschool Service Corps, an AmeriCorps program, and gain hands-on experience in a preschool classroom while making a real difference.
WHY JOIN PSC?
PRESCHOOL SERVICE CORPS MEMBER BENEFITS
As a member, you will:
- Monthly stipend
- AmeriCorps Education Award (upon completion)
- Hands-on classroom experience
- Ongoing training and mentorship
- CPR / First Aid certification
- Career pathway development
You’ll also develop transferable skills in:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Data-informed instruction
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We’re looking for individuals who:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Can commit to 8–10 months of service
- Are passionate about working with children and communities
- Have reliable transportation
- Are comfortable with basic technology
Bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
All members must pass required background checks and health clearances.
STIPENED AND BENEFIT
The full amount of the stipend is based on serving a full term (starting 9/1/2026). Exact stipend amounts are pending grant approval. Please note, slot type does not determine schedule.
|
Slot Type |
Minimum Hours |
Full stipend for members tarting 9/1/2026 |
Monthly stipend for slot type regardless of start date |
Segal education award amount |
Potential eligibility for chilcare and healthcare benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Full-Time |
1700 |
$30,000 |
$3,000 |
$7,395 |
Yes |
|
Three-Quarter Time |
1200 |
$22,500 |
$2,250 |
$5,176.50 |
No |
|
Half-Time |
900 |
$15,882 |
$1,588.20 |
$3,697.50 |
No |
|
Reduced Half-Time |
675 |
$11,912 |
$1,191.20 |
$2,817.14 |
No |
TYPICAL SCHEDULE BY SLOT TYPE
COHORT 1
For members starting 9/1/2026:
All members are required to participate in 16 hours of National Service, 9 hours of volunteer recruitment/family engagement, and community engagement. The initial 80 hours of training, scheduled over 10 days make up the first two weeks of service. Training begins 9/1/2026, the hours each day are 8:00am to 4:30pm for all members regardless of slot type. Refer to the 2026-2027 member calendar for specific dates.
|
Schedule |
Time Commitment Overview |
|---|---|
|
Full-Time (1700 hours) |
Serve 40+ hours per week for a minimum total of 1,700 hours of at the end of the service commitment. The member will serve in the classroom Monday through Friday, typically between the hours of 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. Additional hours are required in September and October. Refer to calendar for specific dates. |
|
Three-Quarter Time (1200 hours) |
30+ hours per week for a minimum of 1,200 hours of service. The classroom service schedule will be Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. |
|
Half-Time (900 hours) |
Approximately 20+ hours per week for a minimum of 900 hours of service. The classroom service schedule will be Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM. |
|
Reduced Half-Time (675 hours) |
Reduced half-time positions are for start dates later in the year. For a 1/19/27 start date, reduced half-time members will serve 8:00-2:30pm, Monday through Friday. |
APPLY NOW OR STAY CONNECTED
To express interest or get updates email:
Dora McKean, Preschool Service Corps Manager
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Preschool Service Corps is hosted by United Way Monterey County, administered by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, and sponsored by AmeriCorps, a nationally funded service program that has supported over 1.3 million members serving communities across the country.
AmeriCorps Info - History of AmeriCorps
In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, which established the Corporation for National and Community Service and brought the full range of domestic community service programs, including AmeriCorps, under the umbrella of one central organization. On July 3, 2003, President Bush signed the Strengthen AmeriCorps Program Act, which nearly doubled the number of AmeriCorps members.
AmeriCorps is a nationally-funded service initiative implemented within local community nonprofits to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. They have contributed $4.8 billion in educational awards to continue members’ education. AmeriCorps members are direct service providers.
Before beginning their service with AmeriCorps, members commit to upholding the AmeriCorps Pledge:
I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter and healthier.
I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.
Faced with apathy, I will take action.
Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.
Faced with adversity, I will persevere.
I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.
I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AmeriCorps PSC is a service program where members work in local preschool classrooms to support early learning. It combines hands-on experience with professional training and financial benefits, helping members build skills while serving their community.
Members are not employees, and don't receive an hourly wage. Members are paid a monthly living allowance.
PSC is a great fit for recent high school graduates, college graduates, and anyone exploring a career in education or working with children. It’s also a strong option for individuals looking to gain professional experience before committing to a long-term career path.
Members work alongside teachers to support children’s early literacy and language skills. This includes reading with students, leading small group activities, and helping create a supportive learning environment.
PSC is typically a 10-month service term. Members serve on a consistent weekly schedule in preschool classrooms and participate in National Service, Community Events, and ongoing training throughout the program.