Volunteer Training
In 2016-2017, I held the title on staff as the Director of Children’s Programming and Development at Granbury Church of Christ in Granbury, Texas. My team believed strongly that providing a safe and nurturing environment is essential for the growth and development of our young ones. That's why, during the summer of 2017, we developed an extensive training program for our dedicated volunteers. This program aimed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the well-being and happiness of every child in our care.
The training program consisted of a series of informative and engaging videos, each addressing a crucial aspect of volunteering in our children's ministry. To ensure our volunteers were well-prepared, we implemented a quiz after each video, reinforcing the key concepts covered. By completing the quiz successfully, volunteers demonstrated their understanding and readiness to actively participate in the ministry.
Let's delve into the highlights of this comprehensive training program, video by video.
Basic Safety: In this foundational video, our volunteers were introduced to the essential safety policies within our children's department. We believed that safety is of paramount importance, and this video ensured that our volunteers understood the guidelines and protocols necessary to maintain a secure environment for our children.
Check-In Procedures: The second video focused on explaining the check-in process for both volunteers and children. Volunteers learned about the seamless procedures in place to ensure an efficient and organized check-in experience. By understanding these protocols, our volunteers were able to ensure the smooth transition of children into the ministry, providing a welcoming and reassuring environment.
Becoming a Journeyman: The third video provided our volunteers with valuable insights into the role of a Journeyman, a group leader responsible for children within a specific age range. This video equipped our volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage and inspire the young minds they would be guiding.
Substitute Essentials: The fourth video presented the essential processes and responsibilities of a substitute teacher. Unexpected circumstances inevitably arise, and having dedicated substitutes who are well-versed in our procedures ensured a seamless continuation of learning and care in the event a regular teacher is unavailable.
Mastering the Rotation System: Our fifth video focused on the unique teaching approach we employ, known as the rotation system. Volunteers gained valuable insights into the processes and techniques required to effectively engage children in this dynamic and interactive learning model.
Nurturing the Nursery Quad: Working with our youngest attendees, ages birth through 2 years old, required specialized knowledge and techniques. The sixth video provided our volunteers with comprehensive information on how to create a nurturing and stimulating environment within the nursery, fostering the optimal growth and development of these precious little ones.
Preparing for Pre-K: In the seventh video, our volunteers received valuable guidance on working with young children in the Pre-Kindergarten area. They learned about age-appropriate activities, effective communication strategies, and the best practices for fostering a love for learning in this crucial developmental stage.
Inclusivity and Special Needs: Lastly, our eighth video centered around the importance of inclusivity and understanding when working with children with special needs. Volunteers gained insights into creating an inclusive environment, adapting activities to individual needs, and providing the necessary support for each child to thrive.
By providing this comprehensive training program, we empowered our volunteers to confidently and effectively contribute to the positive growth and development of the children in our ministry. A well-prepared and passionate team is crucial to creating a nurturing environment where children can flourish.
