“Kids deserve an excited adult. They need someone who’s ready to explore and laugh with them all day- someone who’s looking for those magic moments, full of high fives coming down the line with energy radiating all around. Our kids have far more issues to deal with at home than many of us realize. School is their safety net, their safe place, their one true home. They want and need us to come to school every day, ready to surround them with love, encouragement, and hope. Leave your problems in your car. Take a deep breath and focus on the positive. Find hope. Kids need the best you. Step out and be your best every single day. Be awesome! The kids deserve it!” 

(from Kids Deserve It by Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome)

Children Come First

Our top priority is providing high-quality care in a safe, positive, and respectful environment. Every child deserves to be treated as an individual, and it is our responsibility to ensure they feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Always remember: The children are the reason we are here.

Building Relationships

Strong, trusting relationships are essential. Take time to learn about each child—ask about their interests, families, school, and hobbies.

• • Greet children warmly and use a positive tone of voice.

  • Show genuine excitement to see them each day—they should feel cared about by you!

Volunteer/Child Communication

• • Volunteers are prohibited from exchanging electronic communications with program participants, either in or outside of program hours. This includes phone, text, email, and social media. If a child contacts you outside of program hours, do not return the contact or accept the friend/follow request.

  • If a child expresses interest in having you babysit them, communication needs to take place between the volunteer and the parent, not the child.

  • Volunteers may not transport participants in their personal vehicle. 

Volunteer/Child Interactions

Some children may show physical affection, but it’s essential to maintain professional boundaries at all times. We want to ensure that out interactions are not perceived as inappropriate. Staff must avoid any behavior that could be misinterpreted.
Never be alone with a child. Minimize physical contact.

Allowed Interactions:

• Hugs: Side hugs (hip-to-hip)

• Injuries: If a child has an injury under clothing, a staff member must be present. Ask:

  • • “Can you point to where it hurts?”

    • “Is it OK for us to take a look?”

Not Allowed:

• Children sitting on volunteer's laps

• Children hanging on volunteers

• Volunteers picking up or swinging children

• Playing with each other’s hair

• Massaging

• Yelling or using physical punishment of any kind

• Placing your hands on a child 

If a child tries to sit on your lap, respond calmly:
“No thank you, but you can sit right next to me.”

Participants Belongings

The after school program is not responsible for lost or stolen items and volunteers may not hold participant’s belongings for them. (Ex: money, valuable items) 

We work best when we work together. Strong teams are built on mutual respect, integrity, and trust. You are part of a team that depends on one another to create a positive and successful environment for the children in our care.

Positive Communication

• • Communicate clearly about needs, concerns, and responsibilities.

  • Use a kind and respectful tone at all times.

  • Be aware of your demeanor, attitude, and professionalism—your presence sets the tone for the group.

Workplace Conduct

• • Keep conversations appropriate and focused on work.

  • Limit non-work-related socializing—personal conversations should never interfere with your responsibilities or the safety and supervision of the children.

The Site Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator are your site supervisors. All communication regarding your schedule or position should take place with them.

• Respect- Listen and be present when talking with your site supervisors. Respond professionally. Be aware of your body language, tone of voice, and your demeanor. 

• Follow directions- When your site supervisor gives you direction, follow it. 

• Seek guidance- Your supervisors are here to support you! Don’t hesitate to ask questions or ask for help.

• Be receptive to feedback or coaching and implement requested changes.