Lovers of plants and young children wanted!

Help prepare young children for school and ready to ask questions about the world through University Circle institutions.

At the Cleveland Botanical Garden, children will participate in the Plants and Me program, which invites young learners to explore the ways in which people use and interact with plants in our everyday lives, and to discover what things plants need to survive in their habitats. This program has a classroom part that includes a planting station, plant parts game station, and scientist station. The other part of the program is going into the Glasshouse to observe plants. As a volunteer, you would:

 Support staff and serve as a positive representative of Holden Forests & Gardens

 Follow supervisor instructions to complete tasks

 Co-lead Plants and Me program for pre-school age children

 Prepare classroom for program

 Ensure all program materials are put way and supplies are stocked for next group

 Provide Glasshouse introduction and review rules/procedures with incoming school groups

 Communicate any questions, issues, or concerns to staff in a timely manner

 Demonstrate positive guest interaction and model strong customer service

 Encourage appropriate use of the grounds

 Maintain the safety of people, plants, and animals

 Attend trainings, orientations, or clinics as required

Ideally, volunteers will:

 Must be 18 years of age or older

 Previous teaching experience (informal or formal) preferred, but not required

 Commitment to learning information and procedures relevant to Plants and Me program

 Enjoys working with and engaging young children (participants in the program can be 2 to 6 years old; most are 3-5 years old)

 Prefer a current knowledge of early childhood-appropriate instructional approaches

 Possesses strong communication skills

 Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and ability to adapt as needed

 Demonstrate respect for the diversity of people and nature

Classes are offered February through mid-April at the Botanical Garden

 Shifts are either 9:30-11:30am or 9:30am-12:30pm, depending on number of groups scheduled that day. Programs are offered Tuesday-Friday.

 Volunteers should plan to complete at least 2 shifts per month, weekly is preferred

Help young children develop an interest for our world of plants!