Supervision of Volunteers and Students on Placement Policy

Policy

To support the safety and well-being of children in PLASP Early Learning and Child Care
Centres and School Age Programs. To ensure the required support and guidance is provided to volunteers and students on placement.
PLASP will review this policy on an annual basis, with staff, volunteers and students on placement.

Scope

This policy applies to PLASP as a licensee and all PLASP staff including those who supervise volunteers or students on placement and all volunteers and students on placement.

Procedures

Training and Orientation

All volunteers and students on placement receive a full mandatory orientation prior to starting their placement. Their specific roles and responsibilities are outlined and discussed in the online training modules which all volunteers and students on placement must review prior to beginning with PLASP.

Volunteers and students on placement will not be left alone with a child or group of children. The volunteers and students on placement are instructed that they must take direction and guidance from their immediate supervisor and other PLASP staff.

Policies and procedures are reviewed with volunteers and students on placement who will be providing care and guidance at PLASP centres and School Age Programs, before they begin working with the children and annually thereafter.

The individual plan for children with anaphylactic reactions and site-specific emergency procedures are reviewed by the Program Director with the volunteer and student on placement at the program. These are reviewed annually for returning volunteers and students on placement.

Signed Documents

Staff, volunteers and students on placement acknowledge and date the required forms, and required policies. Copies of the required forms are kept at the program for a minimum of 3 years.

Written Review

PLASP has a written procedure for monitoring the behaviour guidance practices of volunteers and students on placement who provide care or guidance at a PLASP Early Learning and Child Care Centre or School Age Program.

Roles and Responsibilities of PLASP staff

• Children registered in any PLASP program will not be supervised by a staff person who is less than 18 years of age.
• Only employees of PLASP Child Care Services will have unsupervised access to children in a PLASP Early Learning and Child Care Centre or a School Age Program.
• Every volunteer or student will be supervised by an employee at all times.
• Volunteers and students on placement will not be counted in staffing ratios in Early Learning and Child Care Centres or School Age Programs.
• The Program Director or Room Supervisor will provide direction, leadership and ongoing training to volunteers and students on placement for the direct supervision of the volunteer or student on placement at all Early Learning and Child Care Centres and School Age Programs, as set out in their job description.
• When hired, staff receive training on the effective supervision, mentoring and training of volunteers and students on placement. Ongoing staff training occurs, as required.
• PLASP staff will not supervise volunteers or students on placement that they are related to. Individuals that want to volunteer or complete a placement with PLASP will be placed in a location where there is no family relation.

Roles and Responsibilities of Volunteers and Students on Placement

• All volunteers and students on placement receive a full mandatory orientation prior to starting their placement. Their specific roles and responsibilities are outlined and discussed in the Volunteer Handbook, Student on Placement Handbook and Job Description. All volunteers and students on placement sign a contract and review the required policies.
• Volunteers and Students on Placement will:
  
  
  • always take direction from program staff
  • assist the program staff with the children and the program
  • act as a member of the team and help keep the program safe at all times
  • act in way that demonstrates that they like and respect children
  • be fully engaged with the children and staff
  • be flexible and willing to learn
  • be caring and energetic
  • act as a mentor, leader and role model
  • talk to and play with all of the children
  • play with the children outside and in the gym, year round
  • play indoor games with children, e.g. cards, board games, etc.
  • assist the children
  • read with the children
  • develop a good relationship with the children and staff
  • participate in all aspects of the programs
  • will get to know the program’s rules
  • ask the program staff for direction if they are unsure of what to do
  • help the program staff to plan, execute and participate in activities and special events that are fun for the children
  • participate in all aspects of the program, e.g., assist staff with set up and clean up, snack time, crafts activities, etc.,
  • help to keep the program safe for everyone
  • bring ideas to the program staff
  • perform other duties as requested by the program staff
    

• Volunteers and Students on Placement in the office will:
  
  
  • Always take direction from the office staff
  • Assist with a variety of tasks in a specific department
  • Ask questions to ensure they fully understand the tasks
  • Be flexible and willing to learn
  • Develop a good relationship with your supervisor (your supervisor is there to help you succeed)
  • Contribute to creating a safe work environment
  • Show initiative without being asked
  • Wear your ID badge at all times
  • Perform other duties as requested by the office staff

Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Checks are required for volunteers and students on placement over 18 years of age and having direct contact with children in PLASP programs.

Community colleges and universities that provide PLASP with students on placement require Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Checks to be completed prior to placement.

The contents of this policy and related procedure will be reviewed at least annually and at any time that changes are required by law. A record will be kept showing the date of each review conducted, and each record will be signed by each person who conducted or participated in the review.

Policy Review

Staff, volunteers and students on placement review this policy annually and at any other time when changes are made to this policy and related procedures.