Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Learningand
Family
Services
Sponsoring:
EarlyHeadStart
HeadStart
EarlyChildhoodEducation
andAssistanceProgram
(ECEAP)
Classroom
Volunteer
Handbook
January 2015
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OpportunityCouncil1111CornwallAve.SuiteCBellingham,WA98225(360)7345121
Welcome!
Welcome to the Opportunity Council and Early
Learning and Family Services. We are happy that
you wish to help us in this most valuable program.
You have chosen to volunteer in one of the most
rewarding educational settings, working with
young children. The following was written to
assist you in working with us. There are many
things that have not been mentioned that you will
learn by observing and conferring with the
teachers.
Our staff are very committed to their work, and
we rank enjoy coming to work as a top attribute.
We want you to enjoy your time with us too. Be
sure to bring your sense of humor along, and
when in doubt, please ask questions!
This volunteer handbook has been prepared to
give you a reference book to use during your time
with us. Please refer to it often; whenever you
have questions it is a starting place for answers.
The chapters have been organized to give you an
overview of the organizations goals and structure
first, then they move to more detailed information
about policies and procedures in the later
chapters. An appendix of frequently used (and
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Volunteer Requirements
Regular volunteers must have a tuberculosis clearance prior
to volunteering with children. This mandate is in accordance with
state requirements. Volunteers must also complete a volunteer
orientation.
Standards of Conduct
The Federal government has set forth standards of conduct for
staff, consultants and volunteers, as written in the Head Start
Program Performance Standards, 1304.52 (h)(1). The agency
adheres to these standards for its child development services.
1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and
family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender,
race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability;
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The children and staff depend on you and need your help for a
successful program. We are unable to accommodate younger
children of parent volunteers because of Center space and the
extra attention they require. Please arrange childcare for
youngsters when volunteering. Some money
may be available
to pay for this childcare; see your center lead for more details.
Classroom Volunteer
If children arrive early, allow them to look at books ONLY!! No
playing in activity center. Choose a book and read to a small
group of children or let them tell you the story.
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Newsletter/Transportation Boxes:
Help put newsletters together for children to take home.
Help print sticker stories with children.
Assist children with word files.
Participate with children in dramatic play.
Ask classroom teacher for further activities.
Art/Science Room:
Sort art work.
Help children put their names on papers, or print it for them.
Read a book to a child in the book corner.
Help put painting on the drying rack when a child is done.
Help assist children with puzzles when they ask for help.
Cut paper for painting. See classroom teacher.
Cut shapes for collage box or special projects. See classroom
teacher.
Outside:
Help supervise children to prevent possible injuries/accidents.
Support children who are fearful of climber by assisting them
while they are balancing.
Ask classroom teacher for further activities.
Help children to play safely.
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Move full serving dishes, utensils, etc. from the food carts to
your table. Once you sit down at the table try to remain
seated.
Assist the children in passing cups and napkins to each
place.
Begin passing finger food items for children to take with
tongs while the rest of the children arrive.
Wait for the teacher to begin serving hot items, unless
youve been asked to start.
Children are asked if they want a little or a lot, and given
a small amount for an adventure bite of items they refuse.
Dont make an issue if children refuse to eat, simply
comment on your own enjoyment of the meal and their
company.
Engage children in conversation by following their lead on
topics.
Spills are a common occurrence and are treated as very
matter of fact. Point out where the buckets and sponges are
located, show how to squeeze all the water out before wiping
up, and give children the opportunity to clean up after
themselves.
As children finish eating show them where to dispose of food
waste and the proper place for dinner ware, giving more of
your attention to those children following your energy.
Keep in mind that the example you set is one of the main
ways that children learn. Your own manners, your
participation in eating, passing and paying attention to the
needs of others are all models for how the children learn
what to expect of them.
Children are encouraged to try everything taste or
adventure bite-but are not forced to eat. Traditional desserts
are rarely served, though fruit is regularly on the menu. All meal
items are served at the same time and not held out as rewards.
Children are discouraged from getting carried away when helping
themselves, and are usually asked to work on whats on their
plate before taking additional food. However, it is common to
have youngsters want lots of certain foods, oranges are a good
example, and so we have plenty of these nutritious favorites.
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childs behavior, we
to do, not what not
running inside isnt
dont run.
Safety:
Never leave children alone
Remember, accidents happen quickly.
Be
prepared.
Please turn off your cell phone when volunteering
in our classrooms
How to Help The Children:
Be friendly, warm and loving.
Talk with children about the things around them.
Be interested in what they have to say.
Use simple words that the children will understand.
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13.
16. Help the children to remember that they should stand on the
floor, rather than on chairs, tables and blocks. We keep our
feet on the ground.
17. Boundaries: encourage awareness of body space, which
includes only one person to a chair - no clinging, crawling
on/over adults, etc.
18.
19.
20.
21.
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learning. In the classrooms, volunteers will help build pre-literacy and literacy
skills by aiding in fine motor activities and reading to children. Locations are
throughout Whatcom County with classes in the mornings and afternoons.
Volunteers are asked to commit to 2 hours per week for a minimum of 10
weeks.
Essential functions and responsibilities:
Assist the classroom staff with group and individual activities for
children
Perform literacy activities with children
Setup and cleanup activities under the teachers direction
Maintain a safe, clean and orderly environment for children
Respect the developmental level of each children, and encourage self
help skills
Position Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Have current First Aid card and Infant/Child CPR, and HIV/AIDS training
(or obtain within 30 days)
Have Tuberculosis test performed within 60 days prior to hire date
Submit to a criminal record check and FBI fingerprinting
No felony convictions
Volunteer or work experience with young children preferred
Respect confidentiality of children and families enrolled
Complete Child Abuse and Neglect Video Training
Ability to arrive on time and give notice if unable to attend
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Staff
Responsible
Human
Resources
Family Services
Family Services
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Policy
Child Abuse & Neglect Video
TB Test
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AmeriCorps
Tutors
AmeriCorps
Tutor
AmeriCorps
Tutors
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