Preschool Classroom Volunteer - help students facing homelessness

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Title: Classroom Volunteer - Support Families Facing Homelessness

Position Type: Volunteer, 3 hours per week, between 9am-4pm

About Us: The Wellspring Early Learning Center (ELC) is the only program in Washington State committed to exclusively serving the needs of children, ages one through five, who are experiencing the traumatic effects of homelessness. The ELC offers a supportive, trauma-informed, and inclusive learning atmosphere where children can learn, grow, and develop essential skills for a successful future.

Position Overview: We are seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Classroom Volunteer. As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in supporting our teachers and enriching the learning experience for children.

Time Commitment: This volunteer position requires a commitment of 3 hours per week, one day M-F between 8am - 4pm with flexibility in scheduling based on availability. As there is an extensive onboarding process, we require a 3 month minimum volunteer commitment.

Responsibilities:

• Assist teachers with classroom activities, including but not limited to arts and crafts, and educational games.
• Help maintain a safe and clean environment for children to learn and play.
• Foster a positive and nurturing atmosphere where children feel valued and supported.
• Serve as a positive role model for children, demonstrating kindness, patience, and empathy.

Requirements:

• Passion for working with children and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and understanding towards children and adults who may have experienced trauma or adversity.
• Previous experience working with children or in an educational setting is preferred but not required.

How to Apply: Please review the requirements listed below. If you are interested in applying, email volunteer@wellspringfs.org with your background, interest, and availability. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

You will need 5 things before you will be able to start volunteering in the classroom:

• Get registered with the state
• Get a child care provider ID number

• Pass a background check (which requires getting fingerprinted)

• Have documentation of a negative TB test in the last 12 months

• Have proof of Measles (MMR) vaccination or immunity

We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to take you through the whole process.

Step 1: Register with MERIT, the Washington State workforce registry for child care workers.

1. Visit MERIT at merit.dcyf.wa.gov
2. Click on 'Sign In or Register’
3. Fill out the required fields (first name, middle name, last name, birth date, primary email).This information should match what is on your ID.
4. Next create a password. Write down your password hint and answer someplace safe as you will need this to access your account if you ever forget your password.
5. You will get an email at the email account you used to register. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
6. In the email there is a link to activate your account. You should be taken to a page that indicates you have successfully created an account
7. Return to 'Sign In’ page https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister
8. Sign in. Your username is your email address.

Step 2: Get a STARS ID number

1. Sign in to your MERIT account
2. go to the 'My Applications’ tab
3. Click on the application 'STARS ID Number’
4. Follow the steps to apply for your STARS ID
5. Write down your STARS ID someplace that you can easily access. You will use this number whenever you take STARS approved child care trainings. You will need 10 hours of these per year to keep working in child care in Washington State.

Step 3: Get a Portable Background Check

Important:

Even if you have applied for background checks for other entities, like a public school, children’s sports, etc., you will still need to do another background check through DCYF in order to work in licensed child care.

You must have a STARS ID number before applying for a Portable Background Check (PBC) application.

Your first name, last name, date of birth and gender in MERIT should match what is listed on your current ID. If your information does not match, please send a copy of your current ID to merit@dcyf.wa.gov.

To get a DCYF required background check:

1. Login to MERIT at merit.dcyf.wa.gov
2. Click on the "My Applications" tab.
3. Click on the blue link labeled "Portable Background Check".

Step 4: Get Fingerprints

Important:

Your background check application is not complete until you get fingerprinted.

You must travel to one of the approved fingerprinting sites for fingerprints.

Even if you have been fingerprinted for other entities, you will still need to get fingerprinted through DCYF in order to start work.

This must happen within two weeks of submitting your application or you will have to start the process over again.

To get fingerprinted:

1. You will get an email with instructions to set up a fingerprint appointment
2. Choose the nearest fingerprinting site and schedule an appointment
3. Remember to bring your ID with you to the appointment

Upon completion of this required background check, you will receive email confirmation that your background is completed and you are cleared to work in child care.

Step 5: Get a TB test

If you have a primary doctor, you should be able to get a TB test at your doctor’s office. Many urgent care facilities will also offer this test. Without insurance the test can cost between $70- $200.

Step 6: Get documentation of Measles (MMR) vaccination or immunity

Many long time Washington residents can access their vaccination records at this site: https://myirmobile.com/

You can also check in with your doctor about vaccination records or options for getting a blood test to prove immunity or get a new MMR vaccination.