Classroom Grandparent/Older Adult

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Would you love to help children grow their reading skills, succeed in school, and build healthy relationships? Do you have experience and caring that you are willing to share? If your answer is yes, you can be trained to serve as a classroom older adult also known as a foster grandparent with Minnesota Senior Corps at Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties. Volunteering is a productive way to spend your time, and allows you to do something new and different each day. You will also be making a difference in the lives of children who can use your support.

Community Action Head Start is committed to providing low-income families in our community with high quality education for children ages 3-5. Help our Head Start teachers and staff in the classroom to make learning and attending school a fun and rewarding activity for children.

Supervisor: Head Start Center Education Coordinator

Tasks and Responsibilities: Assist classroom teachers to support student activities and fulfill the Head Start classroom philosophy. This may include reading stories, assisting children in projects, chaperoning field trips, teaching basic hygiene skills such as tooth brushing hand washing, and eating family style with the children.

Provide a competent, stable and ongoing presence in the lives of children

Act as a mentor and resource, creating a bridge between generations

Use strategies that motivate through support, encouragement, and advocacy

Maintain monthly timesheet and paperwork as necessary

Participate in program training and development meetings to enhance assignments and personal well being

Qualifications & Skills Needed:

Must be 55 years of age or older and in good general health

Commit to being a Foster Grandparent for at least one school year

Able to complete the MN Senior Corps application and training

Ability to speak English fluently (Somali, Karen, Hmong, or Spanish language skills a plus)

Interest in working with diverse populations of children ages 3 to 5

Available to serve hours weekly during the regular school year, summer session optional

Has dependable transportation available and is willing to travel in the service area

Possess compassion, patience, flexibility and respect for others

Complete and pass a criminal background check via MN Senior Corps

Benefits: The satisfaction of incorporating service into our lives and making a difference in our community. Spending time with energetic youngsters will brighten your day. The intangible benefits alone-such as pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment-are worthwhile reasons to serve.

Receive extensive MN Senior Corps sponsored training and recognition

Tax-free stipend of $2.65 per hour - stipend does not affect Social Security benefits, housing subsidies or any other income based assistance

Transportation reimbursement

Meals while on duty

Accident and liability insurance while volunteering

Time Commitment: Minimum of 10-15 hours per week, up to 30 hours per week, typically during the regular school day, in order to qualify for the stipend. One year minimum commitment.

Opportunity Location:

Community Action is proud to have multiple Head Start locations serving the families of Ramsey County, most are in St Paul and one is in New Brighton. Your assignment based upon your availability and site need.

For Information Contact:

Volunteer Specialist at volunteers@caprw.org or call 651-603-5979

Registration form at caprw.org/volunteer

NOTE: You do not have to have to be a parent or a grandparent to qualify, just an interest in helping kids!!

Head Start Classroom Philosophy:

Our Philosophy within Community Action Head Start Classrooms:

We believe children learn best through their experiences

We believe children and adults achieve the most when they are respected and trusted