The Child Development Centre values the contribution of volunteers and practicum students. The Centre will endeavor to make the work experience mutually rewarding and will ensure that each volunteer/student will have a specific set of tasks (or practicum guidelines) to be completed under the supervision of a designated staff member.

Having volunteers and practicum students at the Child Development Centre provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.  It also increases the profile of the Centre in the broader community. To ensure safety of clients, volunteers/students will only have supervised contact with clients.

PROCEDURE:

1. The Child Development Centre will adhere to all relevant legislation from the Criminal Record Review Act and Community Care Facilities/Child Care Licensing Act with regards to volunteers/students at its work site.
2. Volunteers/students will not be asked to carry out work that is considered within the domain of the Collective Agreements with the Centre, if such work results in a reduction of the unionized workforce.
3. Department Supervisors will inform the Executive Director and other departments of any volunteer/students applications that are received.
4. Volunteers/students will be accepted based on the following:

1. A letter of application (or letter of reference from a learning institute).
2. A personal interview.
3. Reference checks (if deemed appropriate).
4. Compliance with the relevant pre-requisites listed below:
1. Criminal Record Check
2. Documentation of immunization as required by Child Care Licensing
3. Medical reference of good health as required by Child Care Licensing
4. Signing the “Statement of Confidentiality” document
5. Signing the “Code of Ethics and Conduct” document
6. Defined work hours
7. Work experience agreements being signed by all parties involved.

5. Once accepted, volunteers/students will be provided with an orientation to the Child   Development Centre and its programs. The orientation will include clear direction on the scope and limitations of their responsibilities.
6. All staff will monitor the activities of volunteers/students and report any inappropriate conduct or interactions immediately to their designated supervisor.
7. The Supervisor will handle any issues in accordance with all applicable regulations, policies and procedures, etc. and remove the volunteers/students from the program if needed.
8. The staff member with the role of “supervisor/sponsor” will complete performance evaluations; sign documentation of hours completed and provide ongoing supervision of the volunteer/student.