LENA Class Childcare Assistant- VBPL GrowSmart Childcare Assistant

The LENA Start Program is seeking caring, dependable volunteers to support onsite childcare during LENA sessions. Volunteers help craft a safe, nurturing environment for children ages 0 – 5 while parents participate in parent education sessions.

A minimum commitment of approximately 2.5 hours per week is required, with consistent availability on Thursday mornings from 9:30am until 12:00pm February 26, 2026 – May 7, 2026

Duties:

• Assist with general class and childcare setup and cleanup before and after sessions.
• Collaborate with facilitators/coaches to support with various class tasks, including but not limited to, signing in participants, exchanging LENA “talk pedometer” devices, distributing class materials, etc.
• Supervise children to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
• Engage children through play, reading, music, and age-appropriate activities.
• Support children’s social-emotional development using positive guidance strategies.
• Assist with snack time and handwashing, as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized space.
• Communicate children’s needs, concerns, or incidents to present caregivers and LENA staff promptly.
• Follow all LENA Start policies, procedures, and childcare safety guidelines.

Qualifications:

To be eligible for this volunteer position, a person must be 18 years of age or older.

Volunteers are required to complete a background check.

Other qualifications include:

Knowledge

• General knowledge of early childhood development and family dynamics

Skills

• Good interpersonal and communication skills to interact with children, staff, and other volunteers.
• Flexibility in responding to the situation at hand.
• Patience and dependability.

Abilities

• Ability to interact appropriately with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a cheerful and positive manner.
• Ability to maintain a cheerful attitude and provide non-judgmental support to parents/caregivers.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to lift young children and toys and get up and down from the floor.
• Ability to follow a routine, as well as instructions from leading coach/staff.

Josetta Thomae 757-385-0144

Olivia Coefield 757-385-6434