No matter how many, or how few, hours you have to spare, your gift of time can make a real difference to us at MSCDC. Whether you choose to read to, or take on an art or music project with the children in one of our preschool classrooms; provide tutoring or homework help during one of our afterschool programs; babysit in the evening while our parents brush up on their English or computer skills; join your co-workers to help “spruce up” one of our classrooms or our garden; or become active with our Board or one of our committees, we would love to have you share some time – and fun – with us at Main Street!

• Reading aloud to the children as an individual or in a group
• Participating in the Reading is Fundamental Program (four times a year, 9 a.m. – 12 noon).
• Chaperoning/assisting with class field trips (usually mornings)
• Assisting in our classrooms, mornings, from 9 a.m. – 12 noon.
• Helping with classroom and recess activities, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tutoring or providing homework assistance for our after school "Eagles" program.

• You must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer at MSCDC. Volunteers who are under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• You must complete a 30-minute orientation with the center director prior to your first volunteer experience.
• All volunteers must have an updated TB test.

• Report on arrival to the office and sign in the black book. Please use a name tag to identify yourself.
• New volunteers must first attend an orientation with the director. This includes completing a basic personal information form.
• All volunteers must have an up to date TB test on file at our Center.
• Volunteers will be assigned to a team or to project. Volunteers will be supervised by the lead teacher, the director or the office staff.
• Volunteers may not take children to the bathroom or any place in the center on their own. Volunteers may never be left alone with the children.
• Any confidential information acquired while in service must remain confidential.
• Information provided by a child to a volunteer that may be important to their well being should be shared with the teacher. The teacher and director will verify and determine if outside sources are necessary, i.e. Child Protective Services.
• By law, all instances of child abuse are to be reported to Child Protective Services at (703) 324-7400.
• Please establish boundaries with the children if they are overly affectionate or they play too rough with you, i.e. pull on your clothing, jump on your back, etc.
• You should be introduced to the children. It helps the children to know when you leave and when you come back.
• Disciplinary measures are left up to the teacher or the director.

Please come back! Our children love a helping hand and a smiling face.