VOLUNTEERING IN THE CLASSROOM

Our program has an open door policy that encourages parents to participate in their child’s daily school activities whenever possible. By volunteering in the classroom, you demonstrate to your child the importance of school and will make a life-long impression on your child. If you cannot stay for the entire day, please come for a few hours on several days.

Your volunteer time is valuable- not only to your child, but to the program. Our program receives credit of $21.50 per hour for each volunteer hour given to the Head Start Program.

***In all State Preschool classes, (all full-day at all sites, and the half-day classes at Foster Road and Nuffer), we ask that each child’s parent or other family member volunteer in their child’s classroom at least once a month from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. This ensures that we have the correct amount of adults to children in the afternoon portion of the program.  State Preschool requirements mandate an adult to child ratio of 1:8.  Parents may let their child’s teacher know which day each month they will be able to fulfill this obligation. 

In addition, activities you do with your child at home can count for volunteer time. When teachers begin a new unit of study (Examples: Trees, Music, Buildings, Roads) you will receive a parent packet that explains the study and what activities you can do at home related to the study.  At home activities count toward your volunteer time.  It is important that you report your volunteer hours when you fill out your volunteer card. 

We ask each family contribute at least six hours monthly.  All volunteers with 60 hours as of May 1^st of each year are recognized at our “Transition to K” luncheon annually.

Please see the following requirements.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

• Volunteers will respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, or disability.

• Volunteers will follow confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.  Children’s names and information, as well as the contents of any classroom and office files are confidential; and volunteers do not have access to them.

• Volunteers will use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.  In addition, volunteers will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

• Volunteers will maintain respect and promote professional relationships with LACOE, NLMUSD, NLMUSD Preschool Programs, families, staff, and children.

• Volunteers will avoid letting personal relationships influence professional judgment and performance of their work.

• Volunteers will refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of any alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds.

A TB skin test or TB screening within the past three years that is valid through June 2021 and a statement of good health is required from all volunteers prior to beginning to volunteer in the classroom. Please bring proof of TB when you attend the volunteer training.

• New law (SB792) requires volunteers to also be immunized against Influenza, Whooping Cough, and Measles (effective 9/1/16) 
• Volunteers must complete a District “Volunteer Application” form. 
• Volunteers must sign in/out at the school office where the classroom is located, and wear a volunteer nametag while volunteering. 

The Preschool Program strongly encourages parent participation when volunteering in the classroom. Please remember that...

• Children learn when they are active. We focus on children’s strengths.
• Children learn at different rates so we don’t compare one to another.
• We walk and work with children at their eye level, use soft voices and listen carefully.
• We support their growth by encouraging them to do things themselves.
• We tell children what to do, rather than what not to do.
• We treat each other with respect and do not discuss other’s problems.