Early Childhood Education Volunteer

TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum one day per week (M, T, W, TH, F) for a minimum of two hours (between 7:30am - 12pm) for a minimum of 6-months.

LOCATION(S): The Early Childhood Education Volunteer could work in the two-year-old, three-year-old, or four year-old rooms at either the Pheasant Ridge Center (2651 Roberts Rd) or the Broadway Center (2105 Broadway St.)

Each location is easily accessible by the Iowa City bus system.

PURPOSE:The Early Childhood Education Volunteer is part of a team environment mix of staff and volunteers who work to create a loving, safe and welcoming space for our growing toddlers. This volunteer helps give each child more individual time, interaction and care, while giving the Lead Teacher more opportunities to prepare and plan for daily activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 16 years old or older
  • Volunteers 16-17 must have a parent/guardian signature
  Must enjoy being around toddlers age 2 to 4
• Must be able to commit to at least 6-months (longer commitment is strongly preferred)
• Must be able to commit to at least one day a week
• Must possess good interpersonal skills
• Must be able to pass child abuse and criminal background checks
• Past experience working with kids under 5, strongly preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead small groups with 3-4 toddlers (reading time, sensory play, art projects, cooking, playing, singing, dance party, etc.)
• Assistance in supervision and engagement with children on field trips
• One-on-one pairing with a special needs child
• Engaging kids with special talents that volunteer may possess (musical instrument, dance, yoga, singing, art, etc.)
• Assist with indoor and outdoor play/activities
• Follow applicable NCJC and ICCSD policy in regard to client interactions, behavioral supports, reporting suspected child abuse, and limiting exposures to blood-borne pathogens.

REQUIRED TRAINING(S):

• Licensed File
• Volunteer Orientation/ On Boarding

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS:

• Opportunity to work with and sooth toddlers: Create a happy environment for toddlers, interact with them, and offer them individual attention.
• Community Engagement: Connect and build connections with other volunteers, lead/assistant teachers, and be an integral part of creating positive experiences.
• Skill Development: Gain valuable experience in patience and flexibility, problem solving, empathy and understanding, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication.
• Personal Satisfaction: Creating bonds with toddlers and witnessing their learning, growth, interaction amongst each other, and overcoming challenges due, in part, to your involvement can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.
• Ongoing Training Opportunities: Access training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse.
• Performance Appraisal and Letter of Recommendation: Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation.

By volunteering for The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County you become an integral part of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those we serve. Your commitment contributes directly to the success of our mission, and we are grateful for your dedication to building a better future for all.