Preschool Volunteer

YMCA Calgary Volunteer Position

Volunteer Title: Preschool Volunteer

Location: Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, Saddletowne YMCA, Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton

Reports To: Preschool Supervisor and Instructor

Date of Revision: July 2023

Note: This role has an age requirement of 18+ years.

Summary

Do you enjoy making a difference in the life of a child?  If so, come join us in supporting young children to belong, grow and thrive through exploratory play-based learning while incorporating the YMCA’s core values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.

 

Time Commitment

This position requires an 8-month commitment. Volunteers are expected to commit to one (1) volunteer shift per week. Shifts are 2.5 hours in length and typically scheduled between 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Duties and Responsibilities

Health and Safety

  1. Maintain a safe environment by following YMCA Calgary policies and procedures
  2. Build relationships with members, participants, and YMCA staff and volunteers
  3. Communicate with YMCA Staff regarding any situations during your volunteer shift

Program Support

  1. Ensure safety, communication, and a sense of belonging are high priorities
  2. Manage risks associated with participation in programs
  3. Support in delivering program activities for children 3-5 years
  4. Support planning of, and preparation for, curriculum activities that are developmentally appropriate for preschool-aged children
  5. Support young children to learn about and practice social skills including YMCA Calgary’s core values of respect, honesty, responsibility and caring
  6. Utilize established practices for the cleaning and sanitizing of program equipment and spaces both during and in between user groups
  7. Follow established program sign in/out procedures which include health measures as well as child protection practices
  8. Personal care support
  9. Support children to learn about and practice in appropriate personal hygiene

Skills

At YMCA Calgary we ensure our volunteers are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals. The successful candidate will have the following:

  1. Effectively engaging with young children as they explore interests through play-based learning activities as well as role modeling the YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.
  2. Role modeling the YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.
  3. To proactively identify and address situations which may arise within the preschool setting
  4. To maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment

Benefits

  1. Develop practical leadership skills
  2. Complementary YMCA Calgary membership (after 3-month probation)
  3. Education and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

  1. Clear Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search (volunteer letter will be provided after interview)
  2. Three references (two professional)
  3. Able to attend and complete required trainings

Orientation and Training

  1. YBeginnings Orientation
  2. Health, Safety, and Risk Training
  3. Child Safety and Protection Training
  4. 3. Position Orientation and Training – Early Years Training
    1. Position Expectations
    2. Play Based Learning Theory & Practical Application
  5. Ongoing training and support