Placement Students & Volunteers
Learn, grow, and make a real difference in the lives of children at Kid's Mondo.
Welcoming the Next Generation of Educators
Kid's Mondo proudly welcomes placement students and volunteers into our programs. We believe these opportunities are a valuable part of learning and professional growth, while also enhancing the quality of care we provide.
Volunteers and students support staff in daily operations, bringing energy and meaningful contributions to our centre, and the children love them for it.
Always
Supervised
Multi-Level
Placements
Child
Centred
Making an Impact
Every visit matters
Volunteer Opportunities
At Kid's Mondo, volunteers play an important role in supporting children's development. Volunteers may interact directly with children in our programs under the supervision of trained staff. They are never left alone with a child or group of children, but their presence and attention make a lasting difference.
Potential volunteers must be a minimum of 15 years of age (or 14 if currently attending high school). Volunteer duties include assisting in craft or snack preparation, site cleaning, providing childcare alongside program staff, program set up, and more. Long-term volunteers may eventually run programs and activities.
Hours are documented in the volunteer binder for each volunteer. All volunteers must complete a standard application form to establish suitability, and prior to volunteering must sign an agreement outlining the centre's expectations.
Student Placements
We offer placement opportunities for students completing Secondary or Post-Secondary education, or participating in community programs. These placements provide hands-on experience in a real childcare environment.
Programs We Welcome
The Placement Experience
Students gain hands-on experience in our classrooms alongside our educators. Some students may also have the opportunity to contribute to office and administrative work.
College or university students may plan and run a program or activity with the children, plan and present a parent education workshop, or work on projects such as parent education bulletin boards. The designated staff member supervises all students.
The director/supervisor will review the Student Placement Orientation Package at the beginning of each placement. Students will collaborate with their designated RECE regarding program assignments from their educational institution.
High School Students
Kid's Mondo also supports high school students who want to explore childcare as a career, fulfill graduation requirements, or gain meaningful co-op experience in a professional environment.
Complete volunteer hours for graduation
Participate in a high school co-op program
Explore career pathways in early childhood education and childcare
Supervision Policy
This policy provides supervising staff, students, and volunteers with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, fulfilling obligations under Ontario Regulation 137/15.
Always Supervised
Students and volunteers will always be supervised by an employee and never permitted to be alone with any child or group of children.
Not in Ratios
Students and volunteers will not be counted in staff-to-child ratios, ensuring proper licensing compliance at all times.
Director Responsible
The director/supervisor is responsible for recruiting, orientation, and training of all volunteers and students.
Licensee / Designate
- check_circleEnsure all applicable policies, procedures and individual plans are reviewed with students and/or volunteers before they start, and annually thereafter.
- check_circleEnsure all students and/or volunteers have been trained on each child's individualized plan.
- check_circleEnsure that a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and annual offence declarations are on file for all students and/or volunteers.
- check_circleEnsure that expectations are reviewed with students and/or volunteers prior to commencement.
Supervising Staff
- check_circleEnsure students and/or volunteers are never included in staff-to-child ratios.
- check_circleEnsure students and/or volunteers are supervised at all times and never left alone with children.
- check_circleIntroduce students and/or volunteers to parents/guardians.
- check_circleProvide an environment that facilitates and supports learning and professional development.
- check_circleProvide clear expectations in accordance with the established program statement.
- check_circleProvide students and/or volunteers with feedback on their performance.
- check_circleWork collaboratively with the student's practicum supervising teacher.
- check_circleMonitor and notify the supervisor/director of any misconduct or contraventions of policies.
Limitations
Volunteers and students are not to communicate a child's progress with parents/guardians.
Volunteers are not responsible for planning or evaluating staff's program plans.
Students will collaborate with their designated RECE regarding program assignments.
Volunteers and/or students are not to be in charge of a group on field trips.
Dress Code: All volunteers and/or students are expected to dress comfortably and respectfully, following centre policies.
Health Assessment
Under Section 57(1) and (2) of the Child Care Early Years Act, each person working in a Child Care Centre must have a health assessment and immunization(s) as recommended by the local medical officer of health. An exception form must be notarized in order to be valid.
A 2-step, 2-part TB skin test or chest X-ray
Up-to-date immunizations or written statement of refusal (notarized waiver required)
Any local requirements
Must be fit to work in childcare
Note: Anyone who is not immunized will not be permitted to volunteer during a communicable disease outbreak. A Medical Information form is available to be provided to the physician of their choice.
Trips & Outings Policy
Thank you for offering your help as a volunteer on group trips. To ensure the safety of everyone participating, please read and respect the following guidelines.
You will be paired with a staff member in a small group, always maintain contact with your group.
You must stay with your assigned teacher and group at all times.
Students/Volunteers CANNOT supervise children on their own.
Children must be supervised at all times. No child is to be left unattended.
A staff member must be notified should you need to leave your group.
A staff member must escort children to and from washroom facilities.
Areas such as playgrounds or open fields should be monitored for hazards.
Only offer food or beverages supplied by the centre or the child's parent.
Do not allow children to eat or drink on the bus.
Encourage children to walk, avoid carrying children except in emergencies.
Smoking is not permitted while supervising children.
Review Kid's Mondo Prohibited Practices and Positive Interactions policies.
Report any unsafe situations to the staff member immediately.
Glossary
Licensee
The individual or corporation named on the licence issued by the Ministry of Education, responsible for the operation and management of the child care centre.
Staff (Employee)
Individual employed by the licensee (e.g. program room staff).
Student
An individual who is enrolled in an education program/school and is completing a placement.
Volunteer
An individual who participates in the child care program and interacts with children in care but is not paid by the licensee (e.g. parents assisting on an occasional or recurring basis with child care programming).
This policy is reviewed by all employees before commencing employment and annually afterwards. Employees are required to sign and date that they have reviewed and will adhere to the terms and conditions.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're a student looking for placement hours, a volunteer wanting to give back, or a high school student exploring a career in childcare, we'd love to hear from you.
call(613) 779-8877