Parenting in The Early Years Children’s Program Volunteer

Title: Parenting in the Early Years Children’s Program

Position: Volunteer Opportunity 3 hours/week Wednesdays 5-8pm

Start Date: May 2024

Location: 2010 Eglinton Avenue West

Yorktown Family Services is a community-based non-profit social services agency dedicated to providing effective, accessible, quality mental health treatment, prevention and out-reach services to children, youth, women and families in the former City of York. We are uniquely organized to deliver services through two independent but integrated organizations: Infant, Child, and Youth Mental Health & West Toronto Youth Hub – a Children’s mental health centre, and Violence Against Women Services – a Shelter for women and their children who are fleeing an abusive relationship.

In this volunteer role, we are looking for individuals who are passionate about working with children, are outgoing, flexible, reliable, a team player, patient and energetic.

Responsibilities

To attend volunteer training and orientation session(s) prior to the start of the program
To be able to attend the entire nine-week program and to participate in the volunteer evaluation – goals at the beginning of program, feedback at end
To attend the pre-group and post-group de-briefing of each session
To ensure that within your designated group, all program materials are set-up and cleaned-up each session
To help with food/snack preparation & clean-up
To welcome children and parents/caregivers to the program
To ensure that children are signed in and out by their parent/caregiver
To ensure that the parents/caregivers have completed consent forms for their children to participate in the Children’s Program
To follow the agenda for each group session
To ensure that all information shared by the children remains confidential within the program
To be attentive to the children’s needs and their surroundings
To ensure that positive and constructive feedback is given to the parent/caregiver after each session
To express any concerns or issues regarding the program directly to the Early Childhood Specialist
To ensure that adequate supplies are in the Children’s Program bins
To ensure that the room used each week is left neat and tidy after each session
To be part of regular reviews and collecting feedback from group participants

*We are guests in the space. We must leave the rooms in the same condition as we found them at the start of the evening without any exceptions.

Accountability

Directly accountable to the Parenting in the Early Years, Early Childhood Specialist. The Children’s group leaders are directly accountable to the Manager of Child, Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Services of Yorktown Family Services.
Any child abuse disclosures or concerns regarding the safety of a child in your group must be reported on the night of the disclosure to the Early Childhood Specialist. Any disclosures made directly to the volunteers must be documented in writing by the volunteers.

Qualifications

Some professional and/or personal experience working with children up to age 12 is recommended
Positive and friendly demeanor. Able to engage children and implement program activities
At least 18 years of age
Willing to get a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening clearance (and First aid)
Proficient in English. Ability to speak Spanish or additional language(s) an asset.
Experience supporting children requiring special learning accommodations is an asset
Be physically able to care for children, including standing, lifting, bending, and kneeling as required.

Yorktown Family Services is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity. Please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@yorktownfamilyservices.com or by fax to 437-290-5523. Please quote “Volunteer – Parenting in the Early Years” in the subject line.

Yorktown values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to equity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of our communities.

Yorktown Family Services welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.