18 JulVolunteers and students play a vital role in Early Childhood Education and Care services
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services provide a crucial foundation for children’s growth and development, and volunteers and students can play a key role in supporting these efforts. Whether assisting with daily activities or providing specialised expertise, volunteers and students bring a wealth of benefits to ECEC services.
A benefit of having volunteers and students participate in these services is that they can help to provide additional support and resources. Many ECEC services operate on limited budgets, and volunteers and students help to supplement the work of paid staff members.
Volunteers and students bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to ECEC services. With their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they help to 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, and making a positive impact on their local area and beyond.
Furthermore, participating in ECEC services as a volunteer or student also provides valuable experience and training for those interested in pursuing a career in the field. 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 be in possession of a Working with Children (WWC) Check. Also, in line with Child Safe Standard Eight, prior to engaging a volunteer or student an assessment should be undertaken as to the nature of their responsibilities to determine whether a position description is required. The need for an interview and referee checks should also be based on the outcomes of any assessment.
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 early childhood education and care services to contextualise and update policies to meet legislative, regulatory and funding requirements.
For more information visit our website CLICK HERE
