Volunteer Manual
2014
Board of Directors
David Klemt, President
Jim Thomasson, Treasurer
Joe Morgan, Secretary
Bill Armstrong
Alecia Dillon
Dan Mazzio
David Perin
Staff
Director
Emma Small
ProgramManager
Joshua Geimer
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Instructors
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Visual Arts
Danielle Salyers
Kristin Totoritis
African Drumming/Rhythm/Recorder
Robert McDonald
Keyboarding/Ukulele
Mayiah Olivas
Teen Girls
Alicia Taylor
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Park Place Child Life Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, equal opportunity organization. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, sex, or religious belief in any of its policies or programs.
Table of Contents
1.0 Park Place Child Life Center Overview………………………………...……..pg. 1
2.0 Volunteer Opportunities………………………….…………………………………..pg.2
3.0 Volunteer Application Procedures…………………………….………….……..pg. 2
4.0 VolunteerConduct Policies ……………………..………………………………….pg. 5
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4.1 Communication with the Program Manager……………………..pg. 5
4.2 Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities……………pg. 5
4.3 Working with Children…pg. 6
4.4 Child Discipline Policy………………pg. 9
4.5 PPCLC Child Protection Policy,…pg. 10
4.6 Working with Other Volunteers..pg. 12
4.7 Confidentiality Policy……………….pg. 12
4.8 Dress Code…………………………….pg. 13
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5.0 Grievance Policies ……………………………………………………………………....pg. 14
6.0 Appendix: Volunteer Forms………………………………………………………….pg. 16
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1.0 Park Place Child Life Center Overview
Organizational History
Members of First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, in partnership with Park Place Baptist Church, founded Park Place Child Life Center in July 2004. Soon after, Articles of Incorporation were granted, and the organization was established as a separate 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. From inception, PPCLC was designed to be an opportunity for caring people to serve as volunteer partners making a difference in the lives of local children.
Programming began in September 2004, and was expanded to reach school-aged children throughout Park Place in the spring of 2005. After-school programs began in fall, 2005 and the first Annual Arts Festival was held in April 2006. Since its inception, PPCLC has enjoyed the support of city leaders, community activists, local public schools, and churches in the area. However, for PPCLC programming to be sustained and grow continued support from additional donors is essential.
Current programs include: Saturday enrichment activities year round; after school programs for children in elementary school;an Annual Arts Festival; field trips; summer camps on site and through off-site partnerships. Classes offered may include: reading and math tutoring; visual arts; music; martial arts; and dance. Other arts classes are offered periodically and devotionals are included in Saturday programs.
Individual donors, corporations, foundations, and local civic and church groups provide financial support. Please see information about donor opportunities.
Mission
Park Place Child Life Center transforms the lives of children in Park Place through arts-based programs designed to advance literacy and encourage a lifetime love of learning.
Vision
Park Place Child Life Center will be a place where children encounter the love of Jesus in every element of their experience—programs, administration, facility, and personnel.
Guiding Values
- We believe that God’s love is conveyed to the world through Jesus Christ and that experiencing this love is the key to transformation and freedom of spirit;
- We believe that children are uniquely created by God with gifts that will enrich their own lives and consequently, the larger world;
- We believe in a God who loves each child and wants us to show that love;
- We believe Jesus Christ came to be light to the world, and it is our joy to share the Light with children, and to lead them to experience Christ through the arts;
- We believe communities have a responsibility to embrace their children and help them reach their full potential;
- We believe that God calls us all to come together in this work.
2.0 Volunteer Opportunities
Saturday(Ages 6 – 17)
10:30am – 3:00pm
Saturdays begin with Reading and Games in the morning followed by lunch and devotions. The afternoons consist of art instruction and recreational activities.
Tuesday & Thursday(Grade K-5th)
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays begin with a healthy snack, followed by math and literacy interventions, ending with creative arts instruction (music, visual arts, etc.).
(In addition to program volunteer opportunities, there are periodic “behind-the-scenes” and administrative roles within the organization that require associate support. Please contact the Director or Board Members for more information.)
3.0 Volunteer Application Procedures
1. All potential volunteers are required to complete and sign the volunteer application, as well as the authorization for background screening form.
2. Please note that the application form requires youth under age 18 to also include teacher references, and that the background screen authorization also requires a parent signature for minors.
Age guidelines for volunteers are employed to ensure that PPCLC’s mission will be fulfilled in the most effective way, and in consideration of the maturity level of young people working in a challenging environment. Exceptions may be granted on an individual and “trial” basis afterconsultation with the Program Manager. PPCLC reserves the right to adjust opportunities for individuals based on observation of skills, maturity, and suitability.
3. After completion and approval of application and background screen:
- Students and adults, ages 19 and up, may volunteer in any activity.
- Students who are high school age and up, may volunteer for Saturday and elementary-aged after school programs, as well as some special events.
- Students who are middle school age and up may volunteer with a parent or guardian present during our Saturday programs and some special events only.
- Parents of interested students younger than middle school age should speak to the Program Manager about volunteer opportunities.
4. Volunteers in after-school programs are encouraged to commit to as consistent a schedule as possible, however, flexibility is available. Saturday programs and special events are more suitable for those who wish to volunteer on an “as available” basis. Volunteers may notify the staff to be included in weekly email communications about upcoming opportunities.
3.1Criminal Background Check
A background screen authorization form is required of all individuals who wish to become a volunteerwith PPCLC.
1. Enrollment as a volunteer is conditional, subject to completion of a PPCLC application and receipt of the criminal background check results.
2. Applicants are informed of this policy and are required to sign a release giving PPCLC the right to conduct such investigations.
3. Should the criminal background disclose any falsification, omission or misrepresentation on the application form, or information indicating that the individual is not suited to become a volunteerat PPCLC, the applicantwill be denied volunteering privileges.
4. If enrollment is denied based on the criminal background check, PPCLC will provide the applicant with the name of the agency providing the information resulting in the decision.
5. Prior convictions do not necessarily disqualify an applicant from enrollment. PPCLC takes into consideration the seriousness of the offense, and how recently the offense was committed. Convictions relating to abuse, neglect, assault, battery, theft, fraud, criminal sexual conduct, or a felony automatically disqualify an applicant.
6. As a condition of continued volunteerism, each volunteer must agree in writing to report to PPCLC immediately upon being arrested for, or convicted of any criminal offenses.
7. Inquiries concerning background investigations should be referred to the Director.
8. Upon receiving information that an active volunteer has been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense, PPCLC will dismiss the volunteer from all programming until a formal investigation is conducted. An incident report will be filled out by the Program Manager or Director and placed in the volunteer’s personnel file.
(All information gained in criminal background screening is kept in complete confidence.)
3.2 Eligibility to Remain an Active Volunteer
1. To remain an active volunteer with PPCLC, compliance with all guidelines set forth in this handbook, as well as any amendments added to it in the future, is required.
2. Volunteers will be promptly notified of any addition or change to the Volunteer Handbook as it occurs.
4. Failure to comply with handbook guidelines may result in suspension of volunteer until PPCLC completes an investigation. PPCLC reserves the right to terminate association with any volunteer for any cause, and at any time, without notice.
3.3Recruitment and Selection of Volunteers
1. PPCLC actively seeks to recruit new volunteers year round through promotions on college campuses, presentations at local churches and community groups, and most importantly word of mouth.
2. If you know individuals or groups, interested in volunteering with PPCLC please ask them to contact the Director for more information. PPCLC also welcomes contact information for groups or individuals who may be interested in participating.
3. PPCLC is an equal opportunity organization. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, sex, or religious belief in any of its policies or programs.
4. PPCLC is a Christian faith based organization, which means there are Biblical stories and principles within our programming.Volunteers are expected to be able to work within the environment created by the mission of PPCLC, without contradicting the values held by the organization.
3.4 Information for volunteers with disabilities
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
1. PPCLC welcomes individuals with physical disabilities to volunteer. At the present time, the facilities used by PPCLC are not ADA compliant. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide opportunities for service to otherwise qualified individuals.
4.0 Volunteer Conduct Policies
4.1 Communication with the Program Manager
1. When a volunteer arrives to participate, several program activities may be occurring. Volunteers should first sign in and receive a PPCLC nametag, and then find the Program Manager for specific instructions. The Program Manager will introduce the volunteer to the team leader for the particular activity requiring assistance. In consultation with the Program Manager, a volunteer may be re-directed to another activity if requested or required. Associates should notify the Program Manager as soon as possible if any situation arises that affects service for that day, such as illness, incompatibility with activity, or schedule conflict.
2. Regular volunteers should also notify the staff of any dates for which they will be absent in the future.
4.2 Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities
Volunteer Rights
- To do meaningful and satisfying work;
- To be assigned to projects that meet your abilities and interests;
- To be oriented to PPCLC – its mission, goals, staff, activities, and policies;
- To be trained appropriately for your service and have all materials needed;
- To work in a safe environment;
- To be treated with respect and appreciation;
- To receive supervision and guidance throughout your experience;
- To have your service hours documented (certificate or letter) upon request
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Participate in PPCLC programs with enthusiasm and commitment;
- Be open and honest about your expectations and abilities;
- Agree to do only what you are qualified to competently handle and realistically accomplish;
- Participate in the enrollment and orientation process (background checks, paperwork, training, etc.)
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy with regards to information about PPCLC, the children, staff, and other associates;
- Fulfill time and task commitments, and give advance notice if unable to do so;
- Provide timely and constructive feedback to the organization if necessary;
- Be comfortable saying “no” if necessary;
4.3 Working with Children
Desired and Appropriate Behavior:
1. Set a positive, friendly tone when working with children— a mood that promotes good feelings and learning. It takes time and patience to build the desired relationship in which you and the children feel comfortable.
2. Learn the children’s names and correct pronunciations as soon as possible. Also be certain the children know what you want to be called.
3. Give honest, specific, and deserved praise for a child’s achievement and effort. You are in a unique position to focus on a child’s strengths and positive behavior. When you critique or try to correct a child’s behavior, keep it constructive and try to preface the remark with something positive or encouraging. A light or witty comment helps mistakes seem less tragic.
4. Realize that most young people have short attention spans. If children are restless, disinterested, chatty, or misbehaving, they are probably not learning much, and you may end up frustrated. If there are multiple activities for a child to engage in, and a child is getting restless, you may want to suggest doing something else for a while then coming back to the original activity.
5. If you are tutoring an individual, take breaks as needed. If you are helping a small group, try to refocus their attention and spark their interest if they get distracted.
6. Be patient. Sometimes progress is slow. All children are different, but each has the same need for your attention and interest in his/her accomplishments.
7. Your warmth and enthusiasm have a very positive effect on children. Show simple gestures of caring... a smile, a pat on the back, a high five.
8. Treat children with courtesy and respect. Expect courtesy and respect in return. If you do not get these desired responses from a child, try not to take it personally. The child may be having a bad day or issues at home, which are not related to you. Be fair, consistent, and impartial, and, by all means, keep your sense of humor!
9. Model proper language usage. Children learn language from the language they hear. Expect to hear some fantasies, tall tales, and incorrect and unacceptable language. Some children hear language and see behavior at home that is not acceptable during programming. Instead of criticizing a child's home, explain the type of language and behavior that are appropriate when they are with PPCLC.
10. Try to enjoy children because they are different rather than merely tolerating differences. Look for the unique contribution each child can make. Young people love to voice their opinions and know they are heard.
Inappropriate Behavior:
1. Never take a child to a location where you and the child will be alone. Even if the child insists he/she needs to tell you something in private or wants to show you something do NOT leave the designated area where programming is taking place. Attempting to be alone with a child even for a brief time, for the most innocent of reasons, will not be tolerated and could result in your immediate dismissal from PPCLC.
2. Raising your voice to a child is not acceptable unless you are warning them of some immediate danger. If a child is misbehaving and ignoring your requests to stop, inform a staff member in charge and allow the leader to handle it.
3. Please do not use language that demeans or tears down a child, even if you are just “joking.” There may be children you work with who come from homes where they are constantly criticized. The precious few moments a child spends at PPCLC should be full of encouraging words that build him or her up and inspire him or her to reach toward his or her potential.
4. Never touch a child in an inappropriate way. This includes touching any private areas on a child’s body, kissing or giving unsolicited hugs, as well as touching, rubbing, patting, or squeezing a part of a child’s body for more than a brief moment. Children should not be permitted to sit in an adults lap. Children have the right to receive or refuse a hug or touch, and are encouraged to report any touch that makes them uncomfortable. Any volunteer seen or reported touching a child inappropriately will immediately be dismissed from PPCLC until an investigation of the incident is conducted.
5. Don’t ever strike a child. That includes spanking, punching, kicking, or anything else designed to inflict pain or punishment on a child. Any volunteer seen or reported striking a child will immediately be dismissed from PPCLC until an investigation of the incident is conducted.
6. If there is some kind of special gift you would like to give a child, please contact the Program Manager before giving it. Please never give a gift to a child in front of the rest of the group. We will help orchestrate a moment that will allow you to give the gift to the child that will not create feelings of being overlooked or left out among the rest of the children.
7. Please do not attempt to call or visit a child at his/her home. Do not give out your personal contact information or ask it of children. We understand that as you spend time with children you may form a bond of friendship with one or two in particular. You may begin to see how great the need is for a positive role model in a life and want to commit yourself even more to helping. PPCLC may be able to connect you to a school mentoring program or some other program that is structured to give you more interaction time with the child, along with the necessary added level of accountability.
PPCLC is required to inform the authorities if we believe an act of abuse has taken place. (Please see Section 4.7 for the summary of our child protection policies). If you are still unclear about whether a certain physical or social interaction with a child is appropriate, speak to the Program Manager about it.
4.4 Child Discipline Policy
Positive reinforcement of good behavior is always encouraged, and should be lavishly utilized, especially before a problem behavior develops. At every opportunity, genuine, sincere, positive attention should be given to individual children, and children working well together. To be sure the praise is received, get the child’s undivided attention, make eye contact at the child’s level, and speak words of encouragement, recognition, and gratitude. (“Wow! You did such a good job working through those math problems!”or “I’m so glad you stuck with it and got finished!”)
1. If a child is behaving inappropriately, the Activity Leader will get the child’s undivided attention, make eye contact at the child’s level, tell the child specifically what he/she is doing that is not acceptable, and state calmly what the expected behavior is. (“We do not throw the paintbrush. We use the paintbrush to paint. Please use your paintbrush to paint.”)