Volunteer
Job Description
Department: UCM Early Learning Center
Supervisor: Director, Assistant Director, Child Development Specialist, Lead Teacher
Date: April 2015
SUMMARY
A UCM Early Learning Center volunteer is expected to assist the teaching staff in many aspects of the center program and be receptive to learning and gaining experience in this field.
Volunteers will be under the overall direction of the administration and teaching staff of United Community Ministries and the Director of Child Care Services. The Director of Child Care Services and Lead Teacher will provide informal training and supervision with immediate supervision by the Lead Teacher. The volunteers will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
a. Accept the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Day Care Centers (Department of Social Services, Commonwealth of Virginia) and apply under the guidance of supervisors.
Quality of interaction with children:
b. Treat each child with dignity and respect, recognizing and considering the individual needs of each child in relation to cultural and socioeconomic background, challenges, special talents and interests.
c. Provide a nurturing atmosphere for the children demonstrated by interacting on child's eye level, sitting on the floor with children, providing appropriate physical contact for comforting and reassurance.
d. Work interactively with children in all activity areas in classroom or outdoors as assigned.
e. Follow all procedures and requirements to assure the safety of the children in the assigned environment.
Classroom Duties
f. Assist the teaching staff in accomplishing the daily program planned by the Teacher, including the following:
g. Gather supplies and foods, prepare and serve breakfast and snacks according to planned menu; clean up afterwards including cleaning high chairs, tables and floors.
h. Assist in preparation of materials and equipment for daily planned activities; clean up and store materials at completion.
i. Assist in preparation and supervision of lunch; clean up afterwards including cleaning high chairs, tables, dishes and floors.
j. Prepare room for nap by moving furniture and placing cots on floor; help in settling children down for nap; return cots and furniture after nap time.
k. Assist with special center-wide projects and activities as assigned.
l. Assist staff in general maintenance of classroom environment including picking up and sorting toys.
2. ADINISTRATION DUTIES
a. Sign in and out on the Volunteer log in the main office.
b. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children and their families.
c. Report problems, illness of child or signs of child abuse promptly to teacher, education coordinator or center director.
d. Participate in planning effort by teaching staff.
e. Clean and disinfect toys and equipment as assigned.
f. Do not discuss the child or parents or other children or staff within hearing of any child.
g. Adhere to UCM's Personnel Policies and Procedures and UCM Early Learning Centers Policies and Procedures.
h. Maintain neat and clean appearance.
3. GENERAL AREAS
a. Adherence to and support of UCM’s (and UCM Early Learning Center philosophy if applicable). This includes a proven ability to exercise empathy and positive regard in providing services to clients.
b. Ability to work cooperatively with staff, families and supervisors.
c. Ability to maintain professional relationships with clients, children, families and other agency representatives.
d. Quality of work. This includes exercise of sound judgment, positive interactions, and the ability to perform all aspects of the volunteer description.
e. Dedication. This includes the desire determination and ability to provide comprehensive services to clients, children, and families.
4. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
a. Volunteers shall be at least 18 years of age and shall meet the general qualifications, health, and orientation training
b. Able to communicate effectively in English with staff, families and children. Ask questions and communicate with Teacher in regard to assigned tasks.
c. Must have a clear Virginia Central Registry check as dictated by the Code of Virginia 63.1-198.1. In addition, there must be a clear finding for other criminal offenses in the Virginia Criminal History record for not less than five years prior to date of service.
d. Receive an annual negative report of TB screening prior to starting date.
e. Agree to flexible classroom and duty assignments.
***volunteers will not count in classroom ration unless all qualifications are met for a standard Teacher Aide position.
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Volunteer Name Volunteer Signature Date
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Supervisor Name Supervisor Signature Date