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Purpose:
To connect the generations. To provide volunteer service that addresses community needs. To create meaningful relations with special needs children by providing love, encouragement and companionship on a one-on-one basis. To provide extra care and attention to special needs children in order to improve their physical, mental, emotional and social development so they may grow to reach their maximum potential and become as independent as possible. To serve children in school, day care, Head Start, community centers and institutional settings.
Qualifications:
Age 60 years or older. Annual income falls within federally established guidelines. Willing and able to volunteer with children an average of 15-40 hours per week. Health, as determined by physical examination, must be adequate to meet the demands of the position without detriment to self or children served.
Expectations:
Have a sincere interest in special and exceptional needs children.
Provide supportive relationship and friendship.
Provide love and encouragement. Serve as non-threatening adult.
Offer guidance.
Be a good listener.
Be sensitive to children’s feelings and needs.
Foster independence.
Provide stability, emotional support and companionship on one-to-one basis.
Maintain confidentiality.
Able to set limits with children.
Must be nonjudgmental with regard to race, income, special needs, disabilities, religion, family status and background.
Must be patient, kind and understanding.
Exhibit a warm and caring attitude.
Be tactful and sensitive to feeling and reactions of others.
Possess emotional maturity.
Demonstrate good judgment.
Show initiative.
Be able to maintain written records and report to site promptly and on a regular basis.
Follow directions and accept supervision by site and program staff.
Must cooperate and communicate with site and program staff.
Abide by site and program policies, procedures, and regulations.
Attend required orientation and inservice training.
Dress in neat and clean manner.
Roles and Sample Activities:
Listening. Talking. Singing. Walking. Reading. Feeding. Tutoring. Modeling appropriate behaviors and skills. Encouraging socialization. Assisting with self-help skills (washing hands, eating). Participating in group activities. Playing games. Telling stories. Holding/hugging child. Assisting with reading and other academic subjects. Teaching manners and social skills. Assisting with learning activities and developmental therapy. Reinforcing lessons taught by teachers. Helping child to follow directions and accomplish work; acting as a calming agent; helping child stay focused on task; Clarifying/translating group instructions into individual instructions. Encouraging and praising child. Assisting in development of motor skills. Helping to prevent/delay/lessen the effects of institutionalization. Providing stimulation and learning experiences. Providing intergenerational exposure.
Restrictions:
- Do not serve as: paid staff, custodian, babysitter, supervisor, substitute teacher or disciplinarian.
- Refrain from using corporal punishment, or physically or verbally abusing children.
- Refrain from giving gifts, food, or money to children.
- Not to be left in charge or without supervision by site staff.
- Refrain from bringing guests to the volunteer site unless written permission is obtained from the site and provided to the FGP office in advance of visit.
- Refrain from correcting papers, making photocopies, preparing meals and cleaning up unless children participate in these activities.
- Refrain from discussing personal religious beliefs, preaching, singing religious songs or praying out loud.
- Refrain from participating in religious education classes, prayer services, mass or religious retreats.
Rewards:
Hugs and kisses. Unconditional love. Socialization with others. Feeling needed/useful. Gaining a sense of accomplishment. Heightened self-esteem. Making an impact in a child’s life. Solving community problems. Benefits:
- Hourly stipend.*
- Free daily meal at site if service extends over a mealtime.
- Travel reimbursement.
- Supplemental Insurance.
- Free physical examinations (pre-enrollment and annual).
- Paid time off.
- Socialization.
- Recognition.
- Training (orientation and monthly inservice training).
* The stipend is non-taxable, non-reportable income that does not affect eligibility for other programs and services.
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