Polliwog Preschool Volunteers
Located on a biologically diverse 320-acre wetland nature park in the heart of urban Bellevue, WA, the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center is a collaboration between the City of Bellevue and Pacific Science Center. Polliwog Preschool is a Mercer Slough program for preschoolers (3-5 years old) and is seeking Preschool Volunteers. At Polliwog Preschool we focus on developing the whole child – socially, emotionally, mentally and physically – while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. The program is play-based and student-driven with stations to choose from, discovery exploration times and specific activities that relate to a new theme each week.
Energetic, caring people with a background or interest in early childhood and environmental education are needed to assist with Polliwog Preschool’s many offerings. Volunteers will get a chance to assist Polliwog Preschool Educators while contributing to the success of this popular program. We ask that volunteers are able to commit for a minimum of 3 months as well as be able to come in once or twice a week for four hours.
Reports to: Mercer Slough Site Supervisor & Early Childhood Education Staff
Position Start Date: September or October 2015
Schedule: Our three Polliwog Preschool groups come Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Volunteers are needed for our weekday morning classes from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, with a later shift time of 12:30 – 4:30 pm available on Tuesday and Thursday.
Job Duties:
- Assist Polliwog Preschool Educators by interacting with students during free play times, modeling and reinforcing positive behaviors
- Engage students in investigations, imaginative play, and cooperative interactions with other students
- Model “Leave No Trace” environmental education principles for students
- Demonstrate and support students’ appreciation for the natural world, and aid students in positively and safely interacting with the park’s flora and fauna
- Greet parents and students
- Safely move the group from place to place, and ensuring that students are properly dressed for the weather conditions
Required
- 18+ years old
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide three references (one or more being a professional reference)
- Commit to volunteering at least once a week for at least 6 months
Abilities and Personal Characteristics
- Desire to work with and inspire preschool-age children from diverse backgrounds
- Enthusiasm for science, the environment and education
- Excitement about going outside with children in all kinds of weather
- Courteous professional manner
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and flexibility should difficult situations arise
- Excellent oral communication skills
- Ability to present oneself in a professional manner with regards to personal appearance and hygiene
- Smiling team player, with a pleasant disposition and service orientation
Benefits
- A Science Center membership after three months
- Bus or parking pass on the day you volunteer
- Opportunity to share your knowledge and skills
- Add to your resume and explore new careers
- Elevate your current skill set and showcase your talent
- Expand your network of contacts and raise your visibility
- Experience leadership and be part of a great team
TO APPLY: Complete the volunteer application available here. Or go to the Pacific Science Center website at https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/volunteers/
Last Updated September 11, 2015