Frequently Asked Questions:
What would I do as a volunteer?
As a volunteer for the After School Program (elementary school aged-students) you would either
- assist school-aged children with homework or help facilitate academic enrichment (tutoring)
- work with students in the literacy component of our program (i.e. read to/with students, facilitate reading comprehension extension activities)
- support students playing computer games designed to reinforce math fundamentals.
What qualifications/experience do I need to volunteer with the after school program?
Most of the volunteers who work with the after school program have not previously had experience working with children in an academic setting. In fact, the center is often used as an agency where those who are interested in pursuing careers in education can get practical, hands-on experience.
Are trainings offered?
In order to make your time with the children more productive, we offer trainings (usually every other week). Trainings focus on reading comprehension and tutoring children in mathematics and are conducted either by Boulder Valley School District teachers, After School Program staff or other qualified personnel.
What are the program hours?
We ask that volunteers arrive between 3:15 and 3:30. The program starts promptly at 3:45 and ends at 5:30. There are volunteer trainings every other week that will end no later than 6:15. (See trainings)
What kind of commitment will I have to make?
We ask that volunteers commit to one day a week and, when possible, stay until the end of the school semester/year (typically, the first semester ends in the 2nd/3rd week in Dec. and the school year ends the 1st week of June). We encourage participation whether or not you are able to make this commitment.
What are the age ranges of the Children?
Our program serves children from Kindergarten to 5th grade. If you are looking for other age groups, please contact the following people:
- Ramona Thomas: Early Learning (3 to 4 yrs.)
- Pilar Aguilar: PreK (4 to 5 yrs.)
- L’Shawn Lyle or Jesse Walter: 6th to 12th grade
- Shelley Sullivan or Holly Woodsome: Adult Learners
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. The majority of the participants of the After School Program are Spanish-bilingual and have a high level of verbal English proficiency.
Is this a place where I can practice Spanish?
Yes. However, those interested in practicing Spanish should be aware that our main emphasis is on helping our participants complete their homework and facilitating other academic enrichment activities.
Is there an opportunity to do non-academic activities?
Yes. We encourage volunteers to share their passions with the children. We have time designated for art and will do our best to accommodate any other activity that you would like to share.
Can I get class credit for volunteer work?
Yes. Get in touch with us, and we will explain how.
How do I begin?
Normally, we offer an orientation at the beginning of each semester. Orientations are from 6 – 8 p.m. and cover the program mission, structure, rules and what we expect from you as a volunteer as well as strategies on how to be a more effective tutor. If you are unable to make the scheduled orientations, we will do our best to accommodate you.
How do I get there?
Click on the “Directions” tab on the main page of FLC’s web site.
Can I come on days for which I have not made a commitment?
Yes. We encourage you to drop in when you have free time. Prior notice is not necessary.
What if I have to miss a day?
We are counting on your participation. If you are not going to be able to come, we ask that you call as soon as possible so that we have time to prepare for your absence.
Can contact with the children extend outside of the Family Learning Center?
Activities that do not involve a member of the Family Learning Center Staff are not considered functions of the Family Learning Center. If there are activities from which you think the participants of the After School Program would benefit or would be interested in, let us know and we will try to incorporate them into our program.