Head Start Volunteers

POLICY:

NOCAC Head Start staff embraces the use of volunteers to the fullest extent possible.

PROCEDURES:

1. NOCAC Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) has an open door policy and allows Family and Community Volunteers on a regular basis.
2. Family and Community Volunteers provide a wide range of services and support to NOCAC HS/EHS children and their families.
3. NOCAC HS/EHS staff will ensure that children are never left alone with a volunteer.
4. Volunteers do not count in ratio.
5. Parents/Guardians are informed of volunteer opportunities at the initial home visit. The teacher will review the Volunteer section of the Family Handbook.
6. Background checks per EMPLOYMENT STATUS 3.02 and the BACKGROUND CHECKS 2.03 found in the NOCAC Personnel Policies & Procedures located at www.nocac.org must be passed before people can be a regular volunteer.
7. When volunteer arrives:
   1. Welcome the volunteer
   2. Direct volunteer to wash hands
   3. Assure volunteer signs in on the Volunteer Sign In and Out Sheet InKind Form.
   4. Orient volunteer to the center/classroom, including
      1. Center/Classroom schedule/routine
      2. Emergency procedures
      3. Ways to be helpful in the classroom/center
8. When volunteer leaves:
   1. Thank the volunteer for helping
   2. Ask when they plan to volunteer again
   3. Ask for feedback on the experience
9. NOCAC Head Start volunteers can assist with:
   1. classroom activities
   2. transportation
   3. upkeep and renovation of centers
   4. kitchen/meal preparation duties
   5. field trips
   6. bilingual translation services
   7. other duties deemed necessary by NOCAC Staff
10. NOCAC HS/EHS volunteers may choose to give a few hours of time or may volunteer on a regular basis every week.
11. Volunteers shall sign in/out on the Volunteer Sign In and Out Sheet Inkind Form.
12. A Volunteer Orientation must include, at a minimum, NOCAC goals and philosophy and on the ways they are implemented.
    1. Orientation is conducted by the Center Manager or assigned staff member.
13. Volunteers will not be assigned specific work duties or hours.
    1. If the volunteer is responsible for the care and supervision of children (example: Bus Monitor) they must be considered a “Child Care Staff Member” based on ODJFS 5101:2-12-01 Definitions.
       1. A “Child Care Staff Member” (CCSM) will have the following on file at the Center prior to the first day:
          1. A completed medical statement on file
          2. A criminal record check (BCI & FBI)
          3. High school education verification

Forms and Additional Guidance: