Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

Without a computer at home, many children enter preschool unfamiliar with the world of technology. As a computer pal volunteer, you can make sure children in Head Start classrooms have a safe and fun introduction to the computer. Teachers will look to you to engage the children in educational games and to make sure that everyone gets their turn! One-on-one and small group work helps children gain the confidence and skills they'll need for a successful start in school. Pre-schoolers will be looking forward to your arrival! Computer Pals should enjoy working with young children 3-4 years old. A Computer Pal should be familiar with basic knowledge of computers. Orientation and individual training is provided.

Everybody’s gotta eat. Why not give back while you eat as a Mealtime Partner with the Drake University Head Start Program. Pick a meal that works best for you, breakfast, lunch, or snack, to eat and socialize with children ages 2-4. Mealtime Partners are energetic, caring volunteers who encourage children to try new foods, while teaching them skills such as pouring, setting the table, and serving food. Eating with a group of three-year-olds is the most fun you’ll have at mealtime without playing with your food.

Who says volunteering has to be a chore? Why not play instead? As a playtime partner, you’ll participate in fun activities while encouraging children ages 2-5 to actively explore the world around them. You’ll help them solve problems, encourage kids to ask questions, and provoke them to use words to describe their ideas and feelings as they play. On top of having a blast, you’ll help our students develop creativity, communication and socialization skills. Playtime Partners can participate at various Head Start and Early Head Start centers throughout the metro area, including Norwalk, Indianola, Ankeny, and Mitchellville. This volunteer should enjoy working with young children and having lots of fun.

When you volunteer, the more you give, the more you get back. As a Graphics Art Assistant for the Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, this doesn’t just mean a warm, fuzzy feeling. By helping design posters, brochures, and educational information, you’ll develop new material to bolster your portfolio while giving back to an organization that helps youngsters succeed. Lend us your creativity and graphic arts expertise, and we’ll widely circulate your work. So in a very real way, you get what you give-if not more. All you need to get started is a computer, some Graphic Art or design experience, and access to email. Contact us today, and give your creativity a Head Start.

Where else can you shake up the future of the world with a little finger paint? Where else can story time inspire a Pulitzer Prize winner? And how else can you solve the next generation’s biggest problems by helping to put together a jigsaw puzzle? As a classroom volunteer with the Drake University Head Start program, you’ll assist teachers with daily activities in the classroom, but your overall impact could be much more profound. Working with 3-4 year old children on art activities, reading, puzzles, and more is a great way to gain experience in early education, while making a real difference in a child’s life. The Classroom Volunteer should have an interest in working with young children and Head Start staff. Head Start classrooms meet federal performance standards and state licensing standards.

Head Start gives every child an opportunity to succeed, but they can only do so with a strong board of directors. As a Community Representative on the Policy Council, you will work with parents of currently enrolled children to make decisions that will influence program outcomes and activities. Not only will you help shape programming at Drake University Head Start, but you will also provide mentoring and support to these families.

Time Commitment: Monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Includes light dinner.

Staff Partner: Claudia Murphy