There are a number of ways to volunteer in Champlain Valley Head Start.

Classroom Volunteer Opportunities

Champlain Valley Head Start is conducting outreach to encourage volunteers from the community to participate in the Head Start program.  Community volunteers help to enhance services, provide positive role models, and promote linkages to the photo 2broader community.  We are seeking adults, parents, grandparents, college students, and other community residents to serve as classroom volunteers and help to create warm, enriching and engaging classroom environments and experiences for preschool children.  There are many things volunteers can do to help out, including playing with children, reading aloud, helping teachers lead an activity, doing crafts with children, sharing a snack or meal, helping with a puzzle, playing outdoors, or simply spending some one-on-one time with a child who really needs it.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, and making a positive difference in the lives of young children, please contact Kelley Newell at (802) 651-4180 ext. 210 to discuss volunteer placement opportunities.

Community Representatives for Head Start Policy Council

The Head Start Policy Council is similar to a school board or “PTO” for the Head Start program, and is comprised of current Head Start parents and members of the local community.  Policy Council works in partnership with the Head Start Management Team in the development and approval of the program’s goals and objectives, guidelines to use in selecting children and families for Head Start, funding applications and grant proposals, the annual program self-assessment, and other important program issues, including the hiring of new Head Start staff.  Policy Council is part of the Head Start “governance structure” that includes the Policy Council, Board of Directors, Executive Director and Head Start Director.

  • Policy Council: We are looking for community members to join, particularly those with experience in education, early childhood, child development, child health, human services, non-profit administration, or social work.  College students taking course work in these areas, or related fields, are also welcome!
  • Commitment: Community Representatives attend the Policy Council meetings which occur locally once per month (usually the second Monday of the month) and last approximately two hours.  We seek a commitment to serve on Policy Council from November 2011 to October 2012. Mid-year volunteers are welcome!
  • Benefits to you: Gain experience in the development of community-based services and non-profit management. Network with professionals, parents and others in the community.  Help support services for low-income children and families. Add experience to your resume!

To apply: Please send a one-page letter explaining why you are interested and any relevant experience you would bring.  Send letter by mail to Jennifer Fink, Champlain Valley Head Start, 431 Pine Street, Burlington, VT 05401, by fax to (802) 658-0983, or by email [email protected].