A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Getting Started: Have you?

• Talked informally with friends or contacts in nearby child care centers?
• Taken care not to overwhelm classroom teachers?
• Stressed to child care providers that you don't have all the answers?
• Demonstrated that your interest is sincere?
• Become a recognized student group and taken advantage of faculty advisors?
• Considered resource opportunities outside of your college or university?
• Scheduled volunteer visits at times that are conducive to reading?

Training: Have you?

• Stressed to volunteers that reading strategies apply to all children?
• Designed practices that build on the strengths of children with special needs?
• Asked the centers with whom you work for input regarding reading training?
• Made sure that volunteers have necessary shots and have completed appropriate paperwork?
• Implemented plans for ongoing training and volunteer support?
• Required a consistent commitment from volunteers?

Building Links: Have you?

• Considered what resources your school might offer?
• Connected with other groups and programs in the community?
• Built on the strengths of the community as you work together?

Recruiting volunteers: Have you?

• Considered other options besides posters and fliers?
• Shared your personal experiences with perspective volunteers?
• Required consistency and a genuine commitment from volunteers?

Working with-not simply for-communities: Have you?

• Learned about the life-situations of the children you work with?
• Tried things outside your "role" as reading helper?
• Considered family literacy?
• Celebrated the successes of your program and the children involved?

Focusing efforts: Have you?

• Developed skills in using English as a second language?
• Focused activities based on the needs of the community or classroom?
• Recruited men?
• Included children with special needs?

Keep the dialogue going: Have you?

• Evaluated your progress?
• Been cautious when expanding?
• Built "institutional memory?"
• Nurtured new leaders?

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[Additional Information]

[Acknowledgements]