Do you love to read? Can you make silly sounds and faces? Are you looking for a way to make a difference? One of the best ways to have an impact on our community and children's success in school and life is to be a United Way Volunteer Reader.
Reading aloud with children not only builds language and literacy skills, it exposes them to new ideas, builds their social and emotional skills, and most importantly, inspires them to have fun and become lifelong learners. Learn more about the importance of early literacy.
Purpose of Position:
United Way of King County knows that children who enter kindergarten eager to learn are more likely to succeed in school and, later, in life. We are seeking friendly, fun volunteers to share the joy of reading with kids ages 3-5, one-on-one (not group reading), in preschools, Head Start classrooms, and child care centers throughout
King
County.
Time Commitment:
We ask that you commit one hour per week, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., on a weekday for a minimum of six months. Specific days and times will vary based on your availability and each site's specific needs. Applications are currently being accepted and reviewed.
See list of sites and shift times below.
Training:
To fully support our volunteers and ensure their success, we provide a half-day volunteer orientation and training session. You must attend a training session before starting your assignment.
Requirements:
□ Must enjoy young, wiggly children and be able to read with flair and enthusiasm
□ Have a big, friendly smile and sense of humor
□ Meet legal requirements (complete an application form, undergo a Washington State Patrol background check, and receive a TB test)
□ 16 Years or older
Desired qualifications:
□ Have experience working with kids
□ Okay with reading children's favorite books over, and over, and over again
□ Speak English and another language, preferably: Spanish, Vietnamese, Somali, Korean, Samoan, Chinese, or Russian.
Resources:
□ Download a copy of the Volunteer Reader position
□ Download a list of participating child care sites and their locations
□ Learn more about early literacy and its impact on childhood development
Register:
1. Select your preferred site location and volunteer shift from the list below. Please note that there are two pages of site listings. You can access the second page by clicking "next" at the bottom of the first page.
2. To view the address of a site, click on its name. To sort the sites by location, volunteer shift times available, or site name, download the Excel file.
3. To sign up to volunteer at a particular site and shift of your choice, click on "register" next to the site of your choice from the list below.
4. Most volunteers begin reading to kids within a month of registration.
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