You must:

• Complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) – Brampton and Mississauga, Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) – Toronto, if you are over the age of 18 years
• Complete an Immunization Form
• Complete an orientation
• Be willing to complete additional training

Note: if you were a child in a PLASP program, you must take a minimum of one year off before returning to the program as a volunteer.

To volunteer with the children, you can select a program location near to your home or school.

PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and volunteer opportunities fill up quickly.  Please email the Volunteer Department to find a convenient PLASP location.

To gain office experience you may inquire about opportunities to volunteer at the PLASP Head Office.

PLASP office volunteers typically get involved with administrative projects in various departments at the office, e.g. Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources, Volunteer Services, Marketing  & Communications, etc.

PLASP volunteers are individuals, 13 years of age or older older and in at least grade 9, who:
• work well with others
• are flexible and willing to learn
• are caring and energetic

Program Volunteers: Inform the Program Director if you know in advance that you are unable to attend.

You must call the ABSENTEE LINE, by dialing 289-777-0321 and enter the program extension number (four digit #) to report your absence. Please do not call the school.

Program plans will be made with you in mind, so please keep us informed.

Office Volunteers: Email volunteering@plasp.com or the office staff that is your supervisor to inform of an absence. 

Program Volunteers:

• Like and respect children
• 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.

Your supervisor 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.

No. On statutory holidays, P.A. Days and school closures due to weather- PLASP programs do not operate. Please visit www.plasp.com for the latest information and any recent updates.

Volunteers are required to politely refuse babysitting jobs from PLASP families.

In the orientation, you will receive training on policies regarding how to socialize and communicate with PLASP children and families outside of the program.

Yes, it does.

PLASP will provide you with documentation confirming the number of hours you have volunteered.  In fact, you will receive a PLASP login (including username and password) so that you can view your profile, including your hours. Please visit www.plasp.com at any time to gain access to your hours.

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.

No, volunteers are never left alone with a child or group of children. They are always supervised by a PLASP employee.

The Program Director will typically be your on-the-job supervisor.  The Assistant Director and/or Supervisor may also be your on-the-job supervisor.

You and your supervisor can discuss at any time your skills, strengths and areas where you might want or need to improve. At the end of the school year, you will also be sent a survey to provide feedback on your overall volunteer experience.

The Volunteer Department:
•    Welcomes feedback from our volunteers at any time to hear how things are going
•    Visits programs to provide support to volunteers and staff 
•    Receives survey responses from volunteers and staff annually

A volunteer orientation explains what you can expect of your volunteer experience at PLASP and what PLASP expects of you as a volunteer.

No, you do not need to have experience to volunteer! Volunteers will receive a full orientation prior to beginning their volunteer position. 

Yes, you can change the day of the week that you originally selected to volunteer.  Please discuss any changes to your schedule with the staff in your program and email the Volunteer Department.

It will take a few visits to become comfortable.  When you begin to relax and enjoy your experience, your success will truly begin.   Remember to relax and just have fun . . . you are not expected to know all the answers.

On PA Days, PLASP provides children with care from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Children participate in arts and crafts, outdoor play, and more! If you would like to participate, speak with the Program Director two weeks in advance. Secondary school students must also have a PA Day to participate.

When it comes time for you to leave, please remember to give us notice and arrange to say goodbye to the children as they will miss you. Talk about the good times you have shared as it allow closure for you and the children.

Volunteers typically volunteer once a week between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm 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.

PLASP office volunteers develop their own weekly schedule

If you are a secondary school student you are asked to commit to volunteer for the school year (or the remainder of the school year). Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to return to volunteer with us year after year!  If you are planning on coming back to volunteer with us, please contact us by the first week of August so that we can hold your spot and day of the week.

For inquires about volunteering, please contact us at volunteering@plasp.com.