Frequently Asked Questions

Q:        Who are PLASP volunteers?

A:        PLASP volunteers are people who:

• respect and like children
• are caring and energetic
• work well with others
• are flexible and willing to learn

Q:        What do PLASP volunteers do?

A:         Volunteers:

• talk with and listen to the children
• help the staff organize activities and special events
• lead activities outside and in the gym
• lead indoor games, e.g., cards, board games, etc.
• help the children with crafts
• read to the children
• contribute to creating a safe work environment
• assist with set up and clean up, e.g., snack time, craft activities, etc.

Q:        How often would I volunteer?

A:        Volunteers typically volunteer once a week between 3:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. in a PLASP After School Program.  We ask that you volunteer on the same day each week as this provides consistency for the children, the parents and the staff.

Q:        Are there any requirements that I must meet in order to become a volunteer?

A:       

• you must be 13 years of age or older
• if you are a former PLASP child, you must take a minimum of one year off before returning to the program as a volunteer
• you must be willing to follow directions of the PLASP staff
• you must be willing to complete a Police Reference Check
• you must complete a medical form if you are not currently enrolled in any form of schooling
• you must attend a Volunteer Orientation

Q:        How long do I need to volunteer for?

A:        You are required to volunteer for a minimum of 40 hours.  We would love it if volunteers stayed for the whole school year.

Q:        Can I change the day of the week that I volunteer on?

A:        Yes, you can change the day of the week that you volunteer.  Please discuss any changes to your schedule with the staff in your program and call the Head Office at (905) 890-1711 to notify the Volunteer Department.

Q:        Whom should I notify if I am unable to volunteer on my given day?

A:        Inform the Program Director if you know in advance that you are unable to attend.  You must call the Head Office at (905) 890-1711 and leave a message at ext. 167 if you are unexpectedly unable to attend.  Please do not call the school.  Program plans will be made with you in mind, so please keep us informed.

Q:        Do I need to have experience working with children?

A:        No, volunteers will receive on-the-job training.

Q:        Can I share my special skills or hobbies with the children?

A:        If you have a special skill or hobby we would encourage you to share it with the children.   Volunteers have played guitar, the piano, taught the children how to draw, how to dance, etc.     

Q:        Who will be my on-the-job supervisor?

A:        The Program Director will be your on-the-job supervisor.

Q:        Whom do I talk to if I have a problem or question?

A:        The Program Director will be your first contact.  If you prefer to speak with someone else, please contact the Volunteer Department.  We encourage you to ask questions and address your concerns as we want you to enjoy your volunteer experience.

Q:        How will my performance be monitored?

A:        After 3 months, your Program Director will do a review with you of your skills, strengths and areas where you might want, or need, to improve.  For this review both the Program Director and you will complete a copy of the Appraisal Form so that you may discuss it together.

Q:        How does the Volunteer Department know how I am doing?

A:        The Volunteer Department:

• receives feedback from the Program Director after your first 4 visits
• receives Appraisal and Self-Appraisal forms after 3 months
• conducts telephone interviews with volunteers and Program Directors yearly
• receives survey responses from volunteers and staff yearly

Q:        If the school is closed for a holiday, does the PLASP program still operate?

A:        No.  On statutory holidays, P.A. Days and school closures due to weather, PLASP programs do not operate.  Ask your Program Director at the beginning of your placement for a list of P.A. Days to avoid going to an empty school.

Q:        What are PLASP P.A. Days?  Can I volunteer on P.A. Days?

A:        On P.A. Days PLASP provides special trips for children, visiting such locations as Ontario Place or going to a movie and bowling.  If you would like to participate, speak with your Program Director early as space is limited. You can not miss school in order to participate on a P.A. Day.

Q:        If a parent asks me to baby-sit, what should I do?

A:        Volunteers are required to politely refuse baby-sitting jobs from PLASP families.

Q:        Will PLASP provide me with a letter confirming my hours?

A:        PLASP will provide you with a letter confirming the number of hours you have volunteered.  To request a letter, please contact the Head Office at (905) 890-1711 and speak with someone in the Volunteer Department.

Q:        When my volunteering time is over at PLASP, what should I do?

A:        When it comes time for you to leave, please remember to give us notice and arrange to say goodbye to the children, they will miss you.  Talking about the good times you have shared allows for closure for the children and for yourself.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with PLASP Child Care Services.

Please give us a call at

the PLASP Head Office at

(905) 890-1711

and ask to speak with someone in the Volunteer Department if you have any more questions

or

are interested in finding out more about when our next Volunteer Orientation is taking place.