Caring for SchoolAge Children Chapter 15 Using Community

Caring for School-Age Children Chapter 15 Using Community Resources Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Community Resources Support Development • Children are physically able to use and try new skills • Children are eager to learn about the world outside their immediate environment Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

• Children have longer interest span and memory skills • Children are able to consider other ways of thinking Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Intergenerational Programs • Bring children and older people together for mutual benefit • Possible activities: – Tutoring – Conducting science experiences – Sharing collections – Sharing talents in art, music, cooking, gardening, etc. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

High School and College Students • Bring children, older adolescents, and young adults together • Possible activities: – Sports – Drama and dance – Exercise and games – Conversation Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Community Resources • • • Museums Library Businesses Fire station Police station Recreation centers Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Guidelines for Using Volunteers • Prepare handbook for volunteers that states expectations and limits • Assign simple tasks at first • Plan and conduct an orientation • Ask for a specific time commitment Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

• • Provide ongoing supervision Evaluate and provide feedback periodically Have realistic expectations Make adaptations to environment when necessary Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

• Provide for volunteers’ personal belongings • Express appreciation for volunteers • Provide place for children to leave messages for volunteers Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Removing Transportation Barriers • Use public transportation or walk to nearby places • Rent or use donated buses • Transport small groups at a time • Divide groups by age and take trips to different places Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

• Have parents pick up children at place being visited • Use senior volunteers for extra supervision Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Personal Reflection What businesses or agencies would you like to take children to? What volunteers would you like to have in your program? Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.