Early Childhood Enrichment Volunteer

Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) hosts a Sewing/Health and Wellness class for parents. Parents bring their young children (ages 1-5) with them. CIRI's Bright Beginnings early childhood enrichment program is designed to create a safe space where children can learn, have fun, and build meaningful connections with other children.

The program blends English language lessons to strengthen communication skills with social and emotional learning activities that help students feel confident, supported, and comfortable. Students also take part in hands-on activities that spark curiosity and teamwork, along with language and alphabet acquisition and fine motor skill development.

The main goal of the program is to provide students with background knowledge to prepare for kindergarten by learning language, reading, fine motor, and social emotional skills.

Experience working with young children is highly recommended.

Dates/Times/Location

April 2-June 24 on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 am-12:30 am in the Bridgeport Office of CIRI, 410 Colorado Avenue, Bridgeport, CT

Key Volunteer Duties

Assist in curriculum building and leading classroom sessions with the support of the staff youth coordinators:

Ø Create a welcoming and engaging early learning experience for Afghan children ages 1-5 that blends academics, enrichment, and recreation, helping students stay curious, connected, and excited to participate throughout the program.

Ø Build English language skills for multilingual learners by increasing confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through instruction and immersive activities, using age-appropriate curriculum tailored to students’ individual needs.

Ø Promote social and emotional well-being by offering supportive age-appropriate opportunities for teamwork, peer interaction, and creative self-expression, helping students build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging.

Ø Foster curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking through hands-on learning, fine motor skills, alphabet and word acquisition, and fun activities by engaging students in arts, story time, and interactive experiences that encourage problem-solving, inquiry, teamwork, and self-expression.

Requirements

Volunteers must pass a background check and undergo a training on volunteer policies. Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Participants: The expected number of participants is five Afghan students (age 1-5).