Opportunities to Volunteer

July 2008

To those of you who are students, I will say "Welcome Back" and invite you to help us again this year. The time you spend taking care of children, helping Parent Educators in the classroom, and assisting us with all our office duties is appreciated and valued. We love getting to know you and watching you progress through school and enter the work force.

Lisa Balint-Juilfs & Maria Westerhoff,

Volunteer & Alumni Specialists

Specific Volunteer Positions:

Parent Educator Assistant works with a professional Parent Educator in the classroom. May help facilitate meetings and discussions, take notes, organize group materials, and welcome parents as they arrive. Gains experience working with professional staff in a non-profit environment. Learns about group facilitation, develops leadership skills. Learns and expands knowledge of child development, parenting skills and family dynamics. Develops professional skills and comprehension regarding documentation, setting priorities, collaboration, communication, processing information, flexibility, boundaries, and confidentiality.

Qualifications: Enrolled in an educational/professional program related to human development and/or has experience in the field. Criminal background check required.

Children’s Program Assistant works with Teachers and other volunteers caring for young children ages 6 months to 5 years while their parents attend weekly parenting programs. Receives training in child development and experience in the care of young children, experience working with professional staff in non-profit environment. Learns age appropriate children’s activities. Develops professional skills and comprehension regarding documentation, setting priorities, collaboration, communication, processing information, flexibility, boundaries and confidentiality.

Qualifications: Aged 13 or older. Must like children. Criminal background check required for those 18 years and older.

Office Assistant helps photocopy and collate handouts, assemble packets, and perform other office tasks as needed. Meet people and gain experience in non-profit office environment. Gain “behind the scenes” perspective of the day-to-day activities that are part of every professional’s life. Satisfaction in knowing that your efforts help relieve some of the workload of the staff.

Qualifications: Age 15 or older. Must be able to maintain confidentiality, able to work independently. Criminal background check required. Knowledge of computers and office equipment very helpful but not mandatory.

Special Event Representative/Assistant helps plan and carry out Birth To Three’s annual auction, Spring Fling. May help staff information tables at community events such as Art & the Vineyard and Willamalane's Children's Celebration, or assist at annual holiday gift-wrapping fundraiser.

Spanish Language Volunteer assists Parent Educators and Teachers working directly with Spanish-speaking families. Depending on proficiency, may help translate documents. Has opportunity to speak Spanish with native speakers, learn about, network with, and make significant contribution to Latino community.

Qualifications: Age 13 or older. Assignment determined by level of Spanish language proficiency. Some positions require maximum proficiency, others are open to those with minimal Spanish-speaking abilities. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Criminal background check required for those age 18 and older.

Administrative Assistant applies professional expertise for public relations, legal, personnel, marketing, accounting, or other special projects.

Other volunteers donate graphic art skills, help maintain the building and grounds, and collect materials for the Children’s Program.

Opportunities for University Interns/Practicum Students
At Birth To Three we strive to make your placement an interesting, practical, and memorable learning experience. You will receive a check-list of basic requirements for interns and a list of core skills you will have the opportunity to develop during your time with us. If there is a specific skill you are interested in, please let us know and we will try to give you more experience in that area. Most interns work in three program areas: Parent Education, Children’s Program, and Administration/Office. Other possibilities include: Curriculum, Home Visiting, and Special Projects. A minimum of 3 hours per week for 9 weeks is required.

Qualifications: Enrollment in a University program related to human development or have experience in the field. Age 18 or older. Criminal background check required.