Volunteer: Information, Expectations and Guidelines

We feel very privileged that you have decided to spend your time volunteering at our after school program.

We appreciate all of your time and effort, and hope that you enjoy your time with us. About Us: The Isla Vista Youth Projects is a community based not-for-profit organization founded in 1971 in response to community need for programs to serve community children and families. And has been running an after school program since, and in 1985 added a full day summer program. The majority of the families served are low income, single or working parents that need care for their children during after school hours and also during the summer time. In 2001, a collaboration began with A.S.E.S. (After School Education and Safety Program) which is a state funded program that has two key components: homework/tutoring support, and enrichment. Subsequently we have doubled the number of children served after school and increased the quality and quantity of services to children, currently serving over 130 students daily. We have since added a kinder after school program and a Before School Program. Students attend our program 5 days a week for 3 hours a day during after school hours and about 1.5 hours during the before school hours. We have 6 classrooms during after school, K-6TH grade. Each group has up to 25 students with one lead teacher, as well as a Teaching Assistant and a Volunteer. Our before school program serves over 50 students every morning from 6:45-8:15am in the MPR (cafeteria). Our goal is to be an extension of the school day and provide learning opportunities to all students. Our Schedule: Before School After School Kinder After School 6:45 - 7:45 Homework; Enrichment 1:30 - 2:15 Check in; Recess 2:50 – 3:30 Check in / Snack / Recess 7:45 - 8:00 Breakfast 2:15 - 2:45 Restroom break / Snack 3:30 – 4:00 Homework Part 1 8:00 - 8:15 Outdoor Play 2:45 - 4:00 Homework / Activity 4:00 – 5:00 MindWorks Rotation

4:00 - 5:00 MindWorks Rotation 5:00 – 5:30 Homework Part 2 5:00 - 6:00 Indoor Play 5:30 – 5:30 Indoor Play

Volunteer Guidelines: It is very important that you make your time at our program meaningful to the students and yourself. Although it is important to get to know the students you also want to make sure that you are teaching them in a meaningful way.

• When you have a student read to you, or you read to a student: o Ask them comprehension questions; avoid questions that can be answered “yes” or “no”. What did you just read about?

What do you know about that character? Can you tell me what happened in the beginning, middle and end of the story? Can you summarize the story?

o If they don’t know a word while reading, help them sound it out. And if necessary explain what the word means.

• When you do math with a student: o Ask them to explain what they are doing. Go through the steps with them, and ask them to talk you through the problem. o If the student does not know how to do a problem, tutor them on the concept.

• When you do language arts with a student:

o Ask students to explain the concept to you, ask them questions when necessary so you know whether or not they have mastered the concept.

• What if students are not listening to you? o Remind the student that you are there to help them with their homework, and must be on task and cooperative. o If the student still does not cooperate, tell the group leader. o If the students is still not cooperating move to another student to who needs help.

REVISED: 02/02/16 Expectations:

• Remember to be professional, please behave appropriately; don’t give children piggyback rides; don’t allow them to sit on your lap, don’t pick them up. Be gentle when playing with them.

• Talk appropriately to students, other volunteers and leaders about appropriate things. (Ex: Don’t talk about something on Facebook, or a party you attended over the weekend. )

• Wear appropriate clothes. No tanks, midriffs, low tops, short shorts, etc. • Don’t talk or text on your phone during program time. If you have an emergency phone call please take

it outside the classroom so you are not a distraction. • Be a positive influence on students. Talk positively; encourage them to try hard, etc. • You may not be with a child unsupervised. You need to be in eyesight of a group leader at all times. • Be respectful to the kids, use their names, and refrain from calling them “dude,” “man,” etc. Expect students to

be respectful to you as well. • Remember, you are a role model. Students notice everything you do and say. ☺ • Confidentiality is part of being professional. Be careful of the experiences/stories you share with your friends

outside of IVYP/ASES. You never know when a parent could be sitting near you at a restaurant or waiting in a grocery store line.

• If a child shares a “story” that is potentially dangerous to him/herself (or Child Protective Service (CPS) worthy) please notify the Program Director immediately. We are required to report within a 24-hour period.

Daily Protocols:

1. Sign-in at IVYP office; and grab a Volunteer Name Tag (sticker). 2. Go to your assigned classroom and remain with your group for the rest of the day unless you’re instructed to

switch groups by a Staff member. 3. Once you enter the classroom, introduce your self to the Staff leading the group. 4. Ask the staff member leading the class how you can best assist, and pay attention to the class schedule and

help with transitions and supervise the class at all times. You can refer to the Class To-Do List and see how you can help.

5. Ask the staff member leading the class if you have any questions about class rules or what’s expected of the children.

6. Try to move around the class and help different children and avoid sitting in one spot and simply have a conversation with the children. Do your best to be as helpful in the classroom and if you find yourself with nothing to do just rotate around the class supervising the children and asking them if they need help.

7. Before you leave the classroom, be sure to notify the staff member leading the class. And if you need to use the restroom, please be sure to ask for the key to the staff restroom.

8. Sign-Out at IVYP office.

A Great Volunteer CCARES. You are…

Consistent with what you do. Confident with what you say. Aware of your surroundings. Ready to help and be productive. Encouraging to the children and a model of good behavior. Supervising and interacting with the children at all times.