The Program Leader is the key Volunteer overseeing their assigned program planning and execution. Programs meet on a consistent schedule, set by the local Playhouse Program Committee, either meeting on a weekly or monthly basis. The Program Leader works collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and Site Coordinator to provide a high quality, outcome-driven programs according to the program models developed by GiGi’s Playhouse. This volunteer position requires a commitment of 1.5-6 hours per month, depending on the length and frequency of the assigned program, and includes the following responsibilities:

* Serves as the lead volunteer at the assigned program, responsible for planning purposeful, goal-oriented activities for each session which fills the allotted program time, as well as additional activities to promote skill-development (back up plan)

* Prepares the program space/ environment for program activities, including making sure age-appropriate (high energy) music is playing at all times, the Playhouse is presentable and organized, creates an atmosphere of celebration and acceptance, refreshments provided as needed

* Ensures program activities motivate participants and families to reach high expectations and give their "best of all", track participant "best of all" from week to week/ month to month

* Ensures each program session has a structured beginning and ending activity

* Facilitates program activities between the parent and child to promote parent education, encourages skills practice at home and between program sessions

* Welcomes new families, congratulates the family on their new baby and carries out the process for working with new families before/after the program or delegates a trained volunteer to do so

* Greets families, fully engages each program participant/ family in the program activities

* Ensures each participant and volunteer signs in every time they enter the Playhouse, and explain the importance of sign in to families, volunteers and visitors

* Acts as a resource for families, answers questions regarding program activities, GiGi’s Playhouse, and the Program Leader’s area of expertise/ therapeutic specialty to collaborate in guiding participants meet their "best of all".

* Delegate responsibilities to assisting volunteers, such as taking pictures, monitoring sign in, set up of program supplies and refreshments, clean up, etc.

* Recognizes assisting Volunteers (verbally) for their work and commitment to the GiGi’s Playhouse families, gives suggestions/ feedback to Volunteers on their performance as appropriate

* Completes the Program Leader Checklist at the end of each program

* Completes the Program Report (Form F) at the end of each program to document program activities, participation and any challenges/ successes which may have presented.

* Attends and participates in Annual Program Leader Trainings

* Responds to program phone calls, emails and inquiries in a timely and professional manner

* Communicates with Site Coordinator and Program Committee to ensure successful program delivery

Experience/ Qualifications:

The Program Leader role is a "hands on", active role and requires a Volunteer with the following skill set:

* Education and work experience in the specific therapeutic techniques or educational themes of the assigned program (ie. "Crawlers" program is led by a physical therapist, handwriting program led by an occupational therapist, etc.)

* Excellent communication skills, positivity and enthusiasm for GiGi’s Playhouse