Family Support in NYS PBIS
Family Involvement Type 3
Volunteering
Involvement At and For the School
In schools or
classrooms: Assist administrators, teachers, students, or parents as aides,
tutors, coaches, lecturers, chaperones, and other leaders
For schools or
classrooms: Assist school programs and children’s progress from any location at
any time
As audiences: Attend
assemblies, performances, sports events, recognition and award ceremonies,
celebrations, and other events
Challenges for Schools
Recruit widely, provide training, and create flexible schedules for volunteers so that all families know that their time and talents are welcomed and valued
Redefinitions
“Volunteer” not only means those who come during the school day, but also those who support school goals and children’s learning any way, any time.
Expected Outcomes
Students:
Skill in
communication with adults
Increased
learning of skills that receive tutoring or targeted attention from volunteers
Awareness of
many skills, talents, occupations, and contributions of parents and other
volunteers
Primary Care Giver/Parent/Guardian:
Understanding
teacher’s job, increased comfort in school, and carryover of school activities
at home
Self-confidence about ability to work in school and with children or to take
steps to improve ones education
Awareness
that families are welcome and valued at school
Gains in
specific skills of volunteer work
Teachers:
Readiness to
involve families in new ways, including those who do not volunteer at school
Awareness of
parent talents and interests in school and children
Greater
individual attention to students, with help from volunteers
Sample Practices
School and classroom
volunteer program to help teachers, administrators, students and other parents
Parent room or family
center for volunteer work, meetings and resources for families
Annual postcard survey
to identify all available talents, times and locations of volunteers
Class parent/caregiver
telephone tree or other structures to provide all families with needed
information
Parent/caregiver patrols
or other activities to aid safety and operation of school programs