Infant Classroom Volunteer

TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum one day per week (M, T, W, TH, F) for a minimum of two hours (7:30am to 11:30am) for a minimum of 6-months. 

LOCATION(S): The Infant Classroom Volunteer will work in our Pheasant Ridge Center (2651 Roberts Rd) in the infant room. This location is easily accessible by the Iowa City bus system. 

PURPOSE: The Infant Classroom Volunteer is part of a team environment mix of staff and volunteers who work to create a loving, safe and welcoming space for our growing infants and toddlers. This volunteer helps give each child more individual time for interaction and care, while giving the Lead Teacher more opportunities to prepare and plan for daily activities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be 16 years old or older (Minors must have a parent/guardian signature)
• Must enjoy being around infants and toddlers under age 2 
• Must be able to commit to at least 6-months, longer commitment is strongly preferred  
• Must be able to commit to at least one day a week 
• Must possess good interpersonal skills 
• Must be able to pass child abuse and criminal background checks 
• Past experience working with kids under 5, strongly preferred 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

·       Lead sensory play and/or creative games/activities  

·       Assist with indoor and outdoor play

·       Help with cleaning and maintaining an organized space 

·       Giving individual attention and nurturing play 

·       Follow applicable NCJC and ICCSD policy in regard to client interactions, behavioral supports, reporting suspected child abuse, and limiting exposures to blood-borne pathogens. 

REQUIRED TRAINING(S): 

·       Licensed File 

·       Volunteer Orientation/ On Boarding

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS: 

·       Opportunity to work with and sooth infants: Create a happy environment for infants, interact with them, offer them individual attention and hold them.

·       Community Engagement: Connect and build connections with other volunteers, lead/assistant teachers, and be an integral part of creating positive experiences.

·       Skill Development: Gain valuable experience in patience and flexibility, problem solving, empathy and understanding, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication.

·       Personal Satisfaction: Creating bonds with infants and witnessing their learning, growth, interaction amongst each other, and overcoming challenges due, in part, to your involvement can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.

·       Ongoing Training Opportunities: Access training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse.

·       Performance Appraisal and Letter of Recommendation: Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation.

By volunteering for The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County you become an integral part of

creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those we serve. Your commitment contributes directly to the success of our mission, and we are grateful for your dedication to building a better future for all.