Can my daughter volunteer for the local kindergarten class?

Question

Do U think the school will let her? She is homeschooled, and in sixth grade. We don't know anyone that goes there, but she was reviewing her calender and somehow kindergarten day was on it and she was like "Hm... how will I celebrate that?"

And then she asked me if she would be able to volunteer.

Answer 1

maybe she could be a library assistant rather than working with kids or teachers as the first person said.

Answer 2

Since she is only in 6th grade, they might not let her volunteer.  I know at our elementary school, older siblings are not allowed to volunteer during school hours - after school is fine, (I guess they don't want parents pulling kids out of school to volunteer.)  Even though your daughter is homeschooled they may feel like, because of her age, it might look like they violated some sort of rule like I descibed above.  

They only way to find out for sure is to call the school and ask.  I know they love volunteers so they might be able to work something out.  How very generous of your daughter to want to do this!

Answer 3

I don't see why not. When I was in 6th grade we had kindergarten buddies. We would go there once a week and play games with our buddy. It was fun and the kindergarteners liked it.

Answer 4

As a parent, I was able to volunteer at the elementary school occassionally (some moms are there regularly).

However, many schools now require background checks for any adults who are in contact with children.  The background check usualy is a police record check.

As a minor, and not a current or former student at that school, they would probably have difficulty accepting her help -- even well meaning.   As a child, she would be 'in the care of' the adult teacher -- without being a student -- which is where it would get sticky.  If there were an emergency, her presence 'could' prevent the teacher from dealing with her 'regular' students.

But, a call to the school principal would only take a moment.  Be sure you can clearly state why your daughter wants to volunteer, for how many days/hours, and what benefit she could provide.  It is possible that the school would be more welcoming if you went, too, and agreed to the background check they require of all adult volunteers.

You could offer a specific project or task that she could lead -- for example, planting flowers for Mother's Day.  She could bring the dirt, paper cups, seeds, and a couple of large cookie-sheets and a small watering can.  She could help small groups (2-3 at a time) scoop dirt, plant the flower seeds and water them, and write their names on the cups.  These are the kids of projects that the parents love, the teachers never seem to have time for, and that she could accomplish in a single day.  Having a specific project to offer is much more likely than showing up and saying 'um, can I help?'

Personal experience -- I had a rare day off work, and stopped by school to have lunch with my third-grader and her friends.  I was hi-jacked by the kindergarten teacher, who needed a helper in her room to assist the kids in making paper chains.  I was a known parent -- but not a regular helper.  It worked out, and was exhausting!

Answer 5

Ask the school. Most schools and teachers do not turn down help. It would be good for your daughter and good for the children. I think it's a great idea! Maybe your daughter could start a K-day tradition in the school district.