Leaps in Literacy Volunteer - Role Description 

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Purpose:   

This volunteer position supports the Centre for Diverse Learners’ (formally Learning Disabilities Association of Halton-Hamilton) Leaps in Literacy program at one of our in-person sites. Our program is intended to support neurodiverse children and youth , ages 6 to 12 w ho struggle to attain basic literacy concepts, including: identifying letters, decoding words, segmenting sounds, using proper letter formation, and understanding spelling patt erns.

As part of the intake process, students will complete a 30-minute assessment with a Centre for Diverse Learners staff member, and be placed in groups, with similar needs, that span a maximum of two grade levels (e.g., grades 1-2, 2-3, etc.). Our educators will work with children in small groups of 2-4 students at various in-person locations across the Halton and Hamilton regions for one hour, twice per week for 8 weeks .

Under the supervision of the educator, t he volunteer will support program delivery , uphold a safe environment that fosters well-being and achievement, and contribute positively to programming at all times .

This may include a variety of responsibilities, including assisting with drop-off and pick-up, providing students with body breaks as n eeded , tracking student errors during the lesson, and working one-to-one with a student who requires a dditional support in a specific area. Training is provided and is mandatory for ALL volunteers . All volunteers must submit a clear Vulnerable Sector Check dated within the last 12 months. There is the possibility of supporting additional sessions, if mutually agreed upon. During this time,

Responsibilities:  

• All volunteers must arrive at least 15 minutes before their session is scheduled to begin.  

• Volunteers will assist educators and other staff with supporting program implementation. They may assist with pick-up and drop-off, escorting children to and from the washroom, and other tasks to maintain the safety and integrity of the program.  

• Review safety, instructional, and assessment data, with the help of the Program Educator , to meet the needs of students.  

• Support with planning and implementing engaging, interactive activities and games that meet their student’s needs in all areas of the program.  

• Support educators with selecting and implementing appropriate activities that build each child’s literacy skills in phonics/phonemic awareness, sight word vocabulary, and fluency according to student’s learning profile.  

• Act as a role model through demonstrating pro-social behaviour and encouraging student success by supporting their academic growth and well-being.  

• Support Program Educators with data collection after each tutoring session to track the children’s progress, goals, and needs that can be shared with parent(s)/guardian(s).  

• Any other duties, as mutually agreed on.  

Length of Appointment:  

Programming begins on September 30, 2024 , and ends by June 6, 2025 , as follows:

Fall 2024: September 23 - November 21, 2024

Winter 2025: January 6 - March 7, 2025

Spring 2025: April 7 - June 6, 2025

Sessions run on Mondays/Wednesdays and Tuesdays/Thursdays from 5-6 PM and 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Hours will range based upon availability .