Nonprofit
Published 8/18/25 8:00PM

Part-Time Read to a Child Program Assistant in Cambridge

On-site, Volunteer must be in or near Cambridge, MA
I Want to Volunteer


  • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekdays (daytime)
    Commitment Details:
    4-6 hour time committment- Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am - 1pm
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    1
    Cause Areas:
    Education, Volunteering
    Good For:
    Age 55+
    Participation Requirements:
    Driver’s License, Background Check, Attend Orientation
    Age Requirement:
    18+

    Description

    Part-Time Read to a Child Program Assistant in Cambridge

    Read to a Child’s Read Aloud Mentoring Program pairs a volunteer mentor with an elementary school student for a rewarding weekly read aloud experience either during the child’s lunch or other non-instructional time.

    The Program Assistant is responsible for working in conjunction with the Program Coordinator to ensure that volunteer mentors, students and school staff have a positive and meaningful experience. Depending on the needs of the school, coordination of the Read Aloud Mentoring Program may be conducted in-person, virtually, or a combination thereof.

    RAMP sessions for King Open’s program run on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning in October. The Program Assistant (PA) position will primarily assist the Program Coordinator at the school to assist in running the virtual program. Hours are approximately 11am -1pm on these days during the school year from October to early June, with training late Sept/early October. Also, minimal availability outside of these days and times for data entry, communications, meetings, and possible substitute opportunities* as needed. An average of 4-6 total hours per week.

    *The PA may also function as a substitute for the planned absences of the Program Coordinator, and if available, there may be an option for additional hours on occasion, either virtually from home or at any of the 17 Greater Boston school locations.

    Specific Job Responsibilities Will Include All or Some of the Following

    • Assist Program Coordinator to ensure that the program starts and runs smoothly

    • Communicate regularly with Program Coordinator/s and supervisor as appropriate

    • Provide logistical/technical support with respect to virtual sessions and/or provide assistance getting students to and from the reading sessions

    • Assist Coordinator with notifying students, teachers, and potentially volunteer mentors of cancellations or schedule changes

    • Facilitate and monitor reading sessions to ensure smooth operation of program

    • In the school setting, ensure that state and school guidelines for hygiene and safety are followed carefully and that rooms are left clean and orderly

    • Assist in planning and implementing year-end celebration (in person or adapted for virtual setting), as applicable

    • Attend required Read to a Child training sessions and meetings

    • Substitute for Program Coordinator/s as needed

    • Submit timesheets accurately and on time

    • Participate in the Performance Evaluation and goal setting process

    Essential Job Duties For In-Person Positions

    The person working in this position will be in a school setting. It involves constant movement throughout the building and designated session areas guiding students to their reading session. Depending on the school, this may require occasionally ascending/descending stairs. It also requires frequent positioning of books and/or program materials of various weights and sizes on a rolling book cart, as well as rolling the book cart to/from various locations within the school.

    Key Qualifications

    • Commitment to Read to a Child’s mission, viability and growth

    • Experience working with young children

    • Enthusiastic about children’s books

    • Communicates well in person and virtually (eg: Zoom and/or Google Meets)

    • Commitment to actively and continuously working toward achieving the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals

    • Extremely organized and adept at successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing according to the organization’s strategic plan -- with flexibility and a positive attitude

    • Comfortable working with and hosting group video conference platforms such as Zoom and with Email

    • Access to transportation - this requirement may vary with each school/ program

    Hourly Rate: $17/hr and countless non-monetary rewards

    Schedule: 2 days a week ( Wed & Thurs), 11am-1pm (4-6 hrs/wk)

    Desired Start: September(training) with a program start October

    Location: On site at King Open School , 850 Cambridge Street, Cambridge

    Watch our video to learn more: About Read to a Child

    Location

    On-site
    850 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, US

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