What Volunteers Say About Their Experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about volunteering with PLASP? We’ve got the answers. From requirements and training to what you’ll be doing in our programs or at the office, we’ve put together everything you need to know.
You must:
- If you are 18+, complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) – Brampton and Mississauga, Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) – Toronto
- Complete an Immunization Form
- Complete an orientation
- Be willing to complete additional training
Note: if you were a child in a PLASP program, you must take a minimum of one year off before returning to the program as a volunteer.
To volunteer with the children, you can select a program location near your home or school.
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and volunteer opportunities fill up quickly. To find a convenient PLASP location for you, please use the Location Search Box or email Volunteer Services at volunteering@plasp.com for support.
To gain office experience, you may inquire about opportunities to volunteer at the PLASP Head Office.
PLASP office volunteers typically get involved with administrative projects in various departments at the office, e.g., Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources, Volunteer Services, Marketing & Communications, etc.
PLASP volunteers are individuals, 13 years of age or older, and in at least grade 9, who:
- Are caring and energetic
- Work well with others
- Are flexible and willing to learn
Program Volunteers: Inform the Program Director if you know in advance that you are unable to attend.
You must call the ABSENTEE LINE, by dialing 289-777-0321 and enter the program extension number (four-digit #) to report your absence. Please do not call the school.
Program plans will be made with you in mind, so please keep us informed.
Office Volunteers: email volunteering@plasp.com or the office staff who is your supervisor to inform them of an absence.
Program Volunteers:
Assist with set-up and clean-up, e.g., snack time, craft activities, etc
- Like and respect children
- Talk with and listen to the children
- Help the staff organize activities and special events
- Lead activities outside and in the gym
- Lead indoor games, e.g., cards, board games, etc.
- Help the children with crafts
- Read to the children
- Contribute to creating a safe work environment
Your supervisor will be your first contact. If you prefer to speak with someone else, please contact Volunteer Services. We encourage you to ask questions and address your concerns, as we want you to enjoy your volunteer experience.
No. On statutory holidays and school closures due to weather, PLASP programs do not operate. Please visit www.plasp.com for the latest information and any recent updates.
Volunteers are required to politely refuse babysitting jobs from PLASP families.
In the orientation, you will receive training on policies regarding how to socialize and communicate with PLASP children and families outside of the program.
Yes, it does.
PLASP will provide you with documentation confirming the number of hours you have volunteered. In fact, you will receive a PLASP login (including username and password) so that you can view your profile, including your hours. Please visit www.plasp.com and sign in at any time to gain access to your hours.
If you have a special skill or hobby, we would encourage you to share it with the children. Volunteers have played guitar and the piano, and taught the children how to draw and dance, etc.
No, volunteers are never left alone with a child or group of children. They are always supervised by a PLASP employee.
The Program Director will typically be your on-the-job supervisor. The Assistant Director and/or Supervisor may also be your on-the-job supervisor.
You and your supervisor can discuss at any time your skills, strengths, and areas where you might want or need to improve. At the end of the school year, you will also be sent a survey to provide feedback on your overall volunteer experience.
The Volunteer Department:
- Receives survey responses from volunteers and staff annually
- Welcomes feedback from our volunteers at any time to hear how things are going
- Visits programs to provide support to volunteers and staff
A volunteer orientation explains what you can expect from your volunteer experience at PLASP and what PLASP expects of you as a volunteer.
No, you do not need to have experience to volunteer! Volunteers will receive a full orientation prior to beginning their volunteer position.
Yes, you can change the day of the week that you originally selected to volunteer. Please discuss any changes to your schedule with the staff in your program and email Volunteer Services.
It will take a few visits to become comfortable. When you begin to relax and enjoy your experience, your success will truly begin. Remember to relax and just have fun. You are not expected to know all the answers.
On PA Days, PLASP provides children with care from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Children participate in arts and crafts, outdoor play, and more! If you would like to participate, speak with the Program Director two weeks in advance. Secondary school students must also have a P.A. Day to participate.
When it comes time for you to leave, please remember to give us notice and arrange to say goodbye to the children, as they will miss you. Talk about the good times you have shared, as it allows closure for you and the children.
Volunteers typically volunteer once a week between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm in a PLASP After School Program. We ask that you volunteer on the same day each week, as this provides consistency for the children, the parents, and the staff.
PLASP office volunteers develop their own weekly schedule.
If you are a secondary school student, you are asked to commit to volunteering for the school year (or the remainder of the school year). Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to return to volunteer with us year after year! If you are planning on coming back to volunteer with us, please contact us by the first week of August so that we can hold your spot and day of the week.
For inquiries about volunteering, please contact us at volunteering@plasp.com.