Serve With AmeriCorps.
Help Families Thrive.
United for Childcare is an AmeriCorps program operated by United Way of Southeast Missouri that works to increase access to affordable, quality childcare across Southeast Missouri. Childcare remains a critical need in our region, with many families unable to work or remain employed due to limited childcare options. Through this program, AmeriCorps members serve in part-time roles that support families, strengthen childcare providers, and expand the local childcare workforce.
United for Childcare and AmeriCorps
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AmeriCorps is a federal service program administered locally through United Way of Southeast Missouri.
United for Childcare has half-time and 3/4 time positions available for service members (with flexibility to allow members time to complete required service hours).
A Living Allowance is offered to AmeriCorps Members
Education Award:
$5,176.50 for 3/4 time service members upon successful completion of service through the National Service Trust.
$3,697.50 for halftime service members upon successful completion of service through the National Service Trust.
Members may work another job or attend school during off-hours.
Applicants must apply to AmeriCorps first before being considered for a specific service role.
United for Childcare has three service roles available: Childcare Development Specialist, Childcare Planning Specialist, and Community Resource Navigator
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Serving as an AmeriCorps member with United for Childcare is an opportunity to make a real, local impact while gaining valuable experience and support for your own future. Members play a hands-on role in helping families find and keep childcare so they can work, pursue education, and build stability. Through this service, you’ll develop practical skills in community engagement, family support, and systems navigation while working alongside trusted community partners. In addition to the living allowance and education award, many members value the chance to build professional experience, grow their network, and be part of meaningful work that strengthens families and the childcare system across Southeast Missouri.
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United for Childcare AmeriCorps positions are a good fit for people who care about families, community, and making a difference at the local level. You may be a strong candidate if you enjoy working with people, are organized and dependable, and want to build real-world experience in social services, education, healthcare, workforce development, or nonprofit work. These roles are well-suited for individuals exploring a career in human services, early childhood, community development, or public service, as well as those looking to give back while gaining skills, earning an education award, or balancing service with school or another job. No prior childcare experience is required—what matters most is a willingness to learn, support others, and serve your community.
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United for Childcare offers part-time AmeriCorps service positions that support families, childcare providers, and the broader community. Members serve in one of three roles—Childcare Development Specialist, Childcare Planning Specialist, or Community Resource Navigator—each focused on removing childcare barriers and strengthening access to quality care. These positions provide hands-on community experience, training, a living allowance, and an education award while allowing flexibility to balance service with school or other employment.
Our Service Opportunities
Childcare Development Specialists support individuals who are interested in becoming licensed in-home childcare providers. In this role, members help guide providers through the licensing process, connect them to training and resources, and support efforts to expand childcare availability for working families.
What You’ll Do
Meet with potential in-home providers to explain the childcare licensing process
Assist with application paperwork and inspection readiness
Help schedule and promote CPR/First Aid, CDA, and other required trainings
Support providers with basic business planning and access to resources
Maintain and update provider tools and shared materials
Track provider progress and key milestones
Support outreach and information sessions related to licensing
Program Benefits
Living allowance
An education award upon successful completion
Training and professional development
Childcare Development Specialist
Childcare Planning Specialists work directly with parents and caregivers to help them identify childcare options that align with their work schedules, budgets, and locations. Members also help families navigate childcare subsidies and connect to wraparound supports such as transportation, housing, and employment services.
What You’ll Do
Conduct intake meetings to assess childcare needs and eligibility for services
Develop personalized childcare and family plans
Assist with childcare subsidy applications and provider navigation
Connect families to wraparound supports such as transportation, housing, or job assistance
Follow up with families to ensure childcare plans remain in place
Maintain accurate and confidential records
Support community outreach related to family services
Program Benefits
Living allowance
An education award upon successful completion
Training and professional development
Childcare Planning Specialist
Community Resource Navigator
Community Resource Navigators help ensure families know where to turn for support. In this role, members focus on outreach, partnership-building, and creating welcoming entry points for families seeking childcare and related resources.
What You’ll Do
Help families connect to childcare and wraparound services that support stability
Share program materials in libraries, schools, and other community spaces
Support a welcoming environment at the Childcare Resource Center
Assist with intake and connect families with the appropriate team member
Build relationships with community partners and nonprofits
Collect feedback and track community engagement
Assist with creating and updating resource materials
Use tools such as Tootris to help connect families with available childcare options
Program Benefits
Living allowance
An education award upon successful completion
Training and professional development