*Please note: this is an unpaid internship. The position is anticipated to start in August - September 2024.*

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.

SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP: The IRC in San Diego offers refugees the chance to become licensed in-home family service providers through its In-Home Childcare Licensing Program, a part of the Microenterprise Program. This comprehensive three-week program equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to start and manage a family childcare business. Program Highlights:

• Business Fundamentals: Training in bookkeeping, financial management, and marketing.
• Licensing Process: Guidance on submitting the necessary documentation to obtain a childcare license.
• Childcare Essentials: Education on health, nutrition, and other critical childcare topics.
  

The Microenterprise Program Intern will support the In-Home Childcare Licensing Program through both administrative and direct service tasks.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in enrolling in-home childcare entrepreneurs into the program.

• Support intake processes and provide assistance to walk-in clients.

• Aid the business counselor in preparing applications for childcare licenses.

• Conduct quality assurance tasks, including self-audits.

• Monitor the childcare program by conducting follow-up assessments and gathering outcome data.

• Enter data and track outcomes using the IRC's Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database and Neoserra.

• Facilitate and coordinate training sessions.

• Conduct outreach and participate in public events as needed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Gain insight into the implementation of a microenterprise program and the workings of serving in-home family childcare providers (FCP).

2. Learn about the needs of refugee childcare entrepreneurs.

3. Learn how microenterprise programs track outcomes and measure success.
4. Learn effective communication strategies for engaging with diverse populations, including non-native English speakers.