Volunteer Handbook

The following is just to give you an idea of what some of the guidelines are for LMC Volunteers. Feel free to ask any of the LMC Staff if you have any questions or concerns about anything.

First of all, thanks so much for sharing your time and caring for our students. The difference that you make in the lives of our students is phenomenal. You are appreciated! As part of the Brookdale team, parent volunteers add an important contribution to the educational environment.

Some Ideas About the Brookdale LMC:

Brookdale LMC has a flexible schedule. This means that classes do not come in on a fixed basis for a set period of time each week. Instead, this allows the LMC Staff to work collaboratively with the other teachers and students so that lessons are complementing classroom activities. This helps maintain continuity in students' work.

We have an automated system. Students are taught to check out their own materials. There are search stations located around the LMC to help students find information.

Volunteer Guidelines

	Students and teachers come first. If you are working on a project and a student or teacher needs  help, please stop what you are doing and assist them.
	The goal of the parent-teacher relationship is learning. Although a cooperative program, the teacher has total responsibility for all educational decisions.
	Confidentiality cannot be stressed enough! Incidents that may occur while in school must not be discussed. The personalities of the students or faculty should remain within the school.
	Volunteers should not bring their preschoolers while working at school.
	If you are in contact with your own child while volunteering, please be sure your child understands why you are here.
	If you need to talk to a teacher, please schedule an appointment, or drop them a note so you can arrange a time.
	If you have a concern, please discuss it with a member of the LMC team so that we have an opportunity to address it.
	Be friendly and courteous to all students and staff.
	Ask staff any questions to which you are unsure of the right answer.
	Volunteers usually sign up for one morning or afternoon per week or every other week, although other schedules can be arranged.

**If you know in advance you will be absent, please try to find a substitute or switch with another volunteer. If no one is available, please call the Brookdale School Office, at 428-6800 and leave a message with the secretary or call the LMC at 428-6826. We do count on your help and it helps us to know if you won't be here. A list of volunteers and their phone numbers will be provided.

Things You'll Want to Know

	All volunteers must sign in and out at the main office.
	LMC Volunteer ID Badges must be worn at all times. They will be kept in the LMC.
	No food or drinks are allowed in the LMC or the computer lab.
	Please enjoy a break in the LMC workroom only.
	We are a non-smoking building.
	We do not tolerate disruptive behavior in the LMC. Students are expected to act responsibly. If you feel that a group is not behaving appropriately, please let the LMC team or a teacher know so that they may intervene.
	Emergency information is located by the LMC office door.

Volunteer Assignment Duties

	Remember that we are here for the kids... they always come first. If a child is in need of help, drop all other projects and assist them.
	Assist children in book selection. This is a particularly difficult task for kindergartners. Any guidance you can give them helps us know they are leaving the LMC with appropriate materials.
	Work with individuals and small groups of children as needed.
	Maintain the appearance of the LMC.
	Use your special talents to help with displays, bulletin boards, storytelling, and other LMC projects.
	Shelve books and other materials.
	Assist with special projects.
	Help with book shelving, and maintaining of shelves.
	We encourage you to share your ideas with us!