| Volunteers
First Teachers @ Home utilizes volunteers who make significant contributions to the success of our program. Some volunteers become parent coaches: they work with families weekly (or as part of a team and volunteer monthly), assigned to a specific site.
These parent coaches use our easy curriculum to conduct the class, but it is in the connections these volunteer parent coaches make with each participant that makes the work incredibly rewarding. As one parent commented, "This has been the most profoundly affecting work I have ever done. Seeing the moms...every week and hearing about their struggles AND feeling like I am making a difference in their lives is just great".
Volunteers also work with the children of participants while classes are being conducted. Younger children get the opportunity to take part in directed play using games, working puzzles, drawing, Play-Doh, and various other activities.
Children already in school receive individual tutoring and have the opportunity for directed play. Spanish speaking children are taught in English. All children profit from learning cooperative behaviors during what feels like ordinary activities. Volunteers enjoy this aspect of First Teachers @ Home, and ones as young as 12 can be effective in working with children. For many volunteers, this is a very satisfying part of the program to do.
Volunteers receive training, including on-going quick sessions that can be done over the phone.
Additional volunteer opportunities include short-term help for projects such as editing curriculum materials, marketing and research, conducting focus groups, or providing meals. Collecting games, puzzles, and other supplies is a great chance for kids to help out. Donations of books are actively sought.
First Teachers @ Home offers the families participating in the program a very generous holiday gift program. A number of volunteers participate in this meaningful program.
To volunteer with First Teachers @ Home, please call 205-951-8989 or our toll-free number 855-332-9333.
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