PRIME TIME Family Reading Time

Scholar/Storyteller Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How are scholars and storytellers assigned to programs?

Once successfully trained, scholars and storytellers are added to a statewide database. Program assignments are determined based on the following factors:

  • Location
  • Being listed as a preferred scholar or storyteller option by a program coordinator
  • Previous performances
  1. How will the PRIME TIME staff contact me for a program assignment?

Scholars and storytellers are asked to inform the PRIME TIME staff of changes to contact information. Typically, a staff member will send an email inquiring whether a scholar/storyteller is available and include the dates, time, and location of the program. Responses are requested within 1 week.

  1. What happens if I decline a program assignment?

Scholars and storytellers reserve the right to decline a site assignment. Doing so will not result in being removed from the database unless the scholar/storyteller directly requests it.

  1. What happens after I accept a program assignment?

The LEH sends contracts to scholars and storytellers who agree to facilitate programs. The contracts must be signed and submitted to the LEH by the specified deadline in order to be valid (usually due prior to the start of the program). Scholars and storytellers should keep copies of their contracts.

Social security numbers and current addresses are collected on contracts and are required for tax purposes. At the end of each January, the LEH sends a 1099 to each scholar and storyteller who received a stipend during the previous year. The LEH is required to report stipend income to the Internal Revenue Service.

  1. Will I need special training to work with PRIME TIME?

New scholars and storytellers must be trained before facilitating a PRIME TIME program. When a new scholar/storyteller accepts a site assignment, they are invited to participate in a training workshop.

  1. When/where is the PRIME TIME training?

PRIME TIME Training Workshops are hosted twice annually. Both workshops include a full Saturday (one-day) schedule, and typically take place in New Orleans (CBD). January trainings accommodate NEW team members who will work with programs scheduled during the Spring/Summer (January – June). July trainings accommodate NEW team members who will work with programs schedules during the Fall (July – December). PRIME TIME Inc. OR the affiliate agency cover travel and accommodations for participating team members (with some limitations). Details are shared with registered team members ahead of each training workshop.

  1. Who participates in PRIME TIME programs?

PRIME TIME family reading and discussion programs target economically and educationally vulnerable families with children ages 3 to 10 years old. Program participants include parents and children. Scholars and storytellers must prepare to sufficiently engage both in order for the program to achieve its goals.

  1. Where do PRIME TIME programs typically take place?

PRIME TIME’s implementing partners are schools, childcare facilities, libraries, community centers, churches and other community-based agencies that aim to serve a similar target population.

  1. Should I do anything special before the program begins?

Scholars and storytellers are required to spend time preparing for each session. Scholars and storytellers are required to attend an organizational meeting (organized by the program coordinator) 3-4 weeks ahead of the scheduled program start date. Scholars and storytellers should expect to receive the books they will use during the program from the program coordinator at the organizational meeting.Scholars and storytellers must return their books to the program coordinator at the end of the program.

  1. Should I do anything special before each session?

Scholars and storytellers must plan to strategize together ahead of each session. Discuss the books that will be used during each upcoming session and work together to prepare questions and humanities themes that can be addressed.

  1. How much am I compensated for my work with PRIME TIME?

In Louisiana, scholars and storytellers receive a stipend of $125 per session. Mileage for travel to and from the program site is also reimbursed at a rate of $0.40 per mile (subject to change).

  1. What are my responsibilities during the program?

Scholars and storytellers must plan to be present for the full duration of each program session (90 minutes). Storytellers and scholars are responsible for modeling replicable storytelling and discussion techniques for participating families with fidelity to the program methodology as well as the strategies emphasized during training and in the Site Support Manual.

Scholars and storytellers should plan to meet with the full implementing team for at least 5 minutes at the end of each session to discuss what went well and what can be improved.

A PRIME TIME staff member should be alerted as soon as possible if a scholar or storyteller cannot attend a session or cannot complete a program. Scholars and storytellers must work with the staff to find trained substitutes and should not attempt to do this on their own.

  1. What are my responsibilities after the program ends?

Ensure that the program coordinator has your name, mailing address, and social security number to pass on to the PRIME TIME staff for payment processing. Also, if mileage reimbursement is required, please report it to the program coordinator before the final program session. Books used during the program must be returned to the program coordinator on or soon after the final program session.

  1. What should I do if I am unable to attend a session?

The PRIME TIME Site Monitor (LEH staff member) should be alerted as soon as possible if you cannot attend a session or cannot complete a program. Work with your Program Coordinator to alert the Site Monitor to find a trained substitute.

  1. What should I do if I no longer wish to participate in PRIME TIME?

Scholars and storytellers are asked to inform the PRIME TIME staff if they no longer wish to facilitate PRIME TIME programs. Those who do so are removed from the database, and the staff will no longer contact them with program assignments.

  1. What happens if my performance does not meet PRIME TIME standards?

If, through observation, it is determined that a scholar or storyteller’s performance does not meet program quality expectations, the site monitor will initiate the following actions with the goal of achieving improvement:

  • Email standard tips and suggestions for improvement
  • Recommend a program observation
  • Encourage attending a follow-up training workshop

If the actions above do not improve performance, or if the scholar/storyteller chooses to not follow the recommendations PRIME TIME will no longer offer program assignments to that individual.

  1. I have a friend/colleague who might make a good scholar or storyteller, what should I do?

We are always interested in meeting new scholar/storyteller candidates. Please direct them to complete this formand a PRIME TIME staff person will contact them soon.