Burien Community Playgroup Support Volunteer

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Overview

"Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups are gathering spaces for Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers, parent, and young children (birth to 5) to meet with others in their community and learn about fostering healthy child development and school readiness. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is a place where everyone, children and adults, learn through play."

Families are welcome to join this facilitated playgroup to, play, read, sing, create, learn, and engage with peers together, for any portion of the 1.5 hour (this is drop in but not drop off). Activities include art, small & gross motor play, sensory play, imaginative play, and singing songs. Groups are free and open to children and adults of all abilities in the community. CTC service therapy providers will often refer families to this group as a community resource for social interactions and will occasionally join the group to visit with them.

Role Summary 

As a KP & L Group Support Volunteer you will help with room set-up, clean-up, gathering materials and play a special role in encouraging/modeling skills for program participants. In partnership with the class leads/facilitators, volunteers help create a safe, supportive and fun environment for children to learn essential skills and reach development goals through practice and observing others. During classes there are many opportunities to observe and learn about the various techniques, tools, materials and equipment used in early learning and pediatric therapy settings.  

Service Commitment   

• Weekly, on Wednesday’s from 1:30-4:00pm, for at least 7 (or full 14 weeks if desired)
• From 1/31/2024 to 5/1/2024

Location

• Address: CTC Burien, 127 SW, 156th ST, Burien, WA 98166

Responsibilities/Expectations

• Greet and welcome families as they arrive 
• Play, sing and have fun; while modeling skills for program participants with positivity, encouragement and support 
• Help group leads/facilitators with room setup/cleanup such as; moving tables, chairs, equipment, gathering supplies, disinfecting materials, setting up floor and tabletop activities/play areas.
• Help group leads/facilitators with planning or creating activities such as; arts/crafts, imaginative play, small & gross motor, sensory play, music, etc.  
• Attentiveness to the safety of the participants and group surroundings
• Work cooperatively as team member/partner by communicating, being open to feedback or redirection, working within the scope of volunteer service and asking questions or for help when needed. 
• Interact respectfully and compassionately with children, family members, staff and other volunteers
• Embrace and be in alignment with CTC’s mission and values
• Follow all state mandated COVID-19 measures and all CTC/Volunteer policies and procedures 
• Other tasks as needed

Qualifications/Skills

• Commit to the full shift need for volunteers as specified above
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with youth, an interest in child development, individuals with disabilities, developmental delays and differences (preferred but not required)
• Enjoy working with people of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, races, cultures, abilities, gender and sexual orientation, languages and lived experiences.
• Embrace and be in alignment with CTC’s mission and values
• Comfortable moving in and around a classroom/therapy setting

Minimum requirements

• Must be at least 16, and if a minor, signed consent of parent/guardian is required
• Consent to DSHS background check
• Provide COVID-19 vaccination documentation

• Work in accordance with CTC’s policies and procedures and follow all state mandated COVID-19 measures, CTC Pandemic Operations Policies & Procedures, Volunteer Policies
• Participate in orientation, placement/assignment training and facility safety tour
• Consent to required waivers and agreements related to the placement/assignment

Reports to

• Placement Lead/Supervisor (TBD)
• Volunteer Manager, Meza Gandy, mareza@ctckids.org, 253-246-2272

 Benefits /Perks

Volunteering is a great way to improve your overall wellness, increase happiness, reduce stress, and feel a sense of purpose and connection! 

• Volunteering can help you meet people, build relationships and increase social skills- At CTC, we invite you to join other volunteers and staff at special events, celebrations and community happenings.
• Volunteering can help you feel a sense of belonging in your community- At CTC, you are a valued member and partner of a diverse, talented and caring team.
• Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience and valuable knowledge- At CTC, youcan learn from field experts/skilled staff and increase exposure to career paths in non-profit sector and pediatric therapy.
• Volunteering can help you take on a challenge and gain confidence. At CTC, you can try something new/different, accomplish personal or professional goals, utilize/practice your skills, and discover new talents or passions! 
• Have fun and make an impact in your community! CTC Volunteers help make a difference in the lives of children and families across a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.

How to apply

If you have previously submitted a volunteer application with CTC (current volunteers or applicants pending review) email volunteers@ctckids.org to express interest. If you have never submitted a volunteer application form, please do so here

This is an unpaid, volunteer position 

Consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, and our values, Children’s Therapy Center provides all employees, volunteers and applicants the right to equal opportunity in all aspects of our relationship including consideration for employment or volunteerism without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person.