Younger children are assisted in the development of small and gross motor skills, recognizing colors and numbers while learning letters, words, and self-expression and receive one-on-one interaction allowing for substantial growth.
Older children are assisted in schoolwork, socialization and developmentally appropriate behavior.
Foster Grandparents attend monthly in-service meetings to receive specialized training in child development best practices and community awareness on various topics related to seniors and children with special needs, along with a host of informative speeches on topics ranging from predatory lending to the importance of identity theft protection. A forty-hour orientation is required for all new Foster Grandparents prior to a site-assignment that focuses on volunteerism and working with special needs children.
Foster Grandparents volunteer can serve between 20 and 40 hours per week and receive a tax-free hourly stipend that is considered exempt for benefits. Foster Grandparents also receive a free annual physical and daily meal along with reimbursement for travel expenses and an annual recognition celebration.
Volunteer Host Sites Include
- Akron Children’s Hospital
- Akron Public Schools
- Akron Summit Community Action Head Start/Early Head Start (13 sites)
- Phoenix Alternative School
- Salvation Army Child Learning Zone
- YMCA Child Care Centers
