12 JulVolunteers and students play a vital role in ECEC services
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services provide a crucial foundation for children’s growth and development, and volunteers and students play a key role in supporting this. Whether assisting with daily activities or providing specialised expertise, volunteers and students can bring a wealth of benefits to ECEC services.
A benefit of volunteers and students participating in these services is that they help provide additional support and resources. Many ECEC services operate on limited budgets, and volunteers and students help supplement the work of paid staff members.
Volunteers and students bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. With their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they can help enrich the learning environment and create a more dynamic and engaging experience for children.
Having volunteers and students participate in services helps to foster a sense of community and social responsibility between the service and the community. By inviting volunteers and students to participate, services demonstrate their commitment to engaging with the community, providing opportunities for individuals to contribute to their local community, making a positive impact on their local area and beyond.
Participating in ECEC services as a volunteer or student also provides valuable experience and training for those interested in pursuing a career in the sector. This helps to create a pipeline of future professionals who are passionate about providing high-quality care for children.
Prior to participation at the service, a volunteer or student (aged 18 years or over) must hold a Working with Children (WWC) Check. Also, in line with Child Safe Standard 8, prior to engaging a volunteer or student assessments should be undertaken to determine if the level of responsibility associated with the student or volunteer role requires a position description; and based on that whether an interview and referee checks are required.
Does your service have an up-to-date Participation of Volunteers and Students policy?
ELAA’s PolicyWorks catalogue provides easy to use templates to assist ECEC services to contextualise and update policies to meet legislative, regulatory and funding requirements.
For more information visit our website by CLICKING HERE.
