The Foster Grandparent Program, administered locally by Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, is part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provide older Americans the opportunity to volunteer for a child and put their life experiences to work right here in our local communities. When you share your love, time, and experience, you have the power to help a child who needs you. Foster grandparents assist in the development of motor skills, self care, learning skills and independence. In addition they restore and reinforce a sense of community and family value in the children.
As a Foster Grandparent, you’re a role model, a mentor, and a friend. You help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring, and guide children at a critical time in their lives. Put simply, you give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future. Don't think that role models, mentors, relationships, and friends Matter? If so, watch the video below.
Foster Grandparents with household income less than $25,760 (one person households; add $9,080 for each additional person in the household) are eligible for a $3.00 per hour stipend to offset the cost of volunteering. For more information on stipend eligibility, click here. (Be aware that the information will be presented in a separate browser window).
A description of the Foster Grandparent position follows:
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POSITION TITLE: Virtual Foster Grandparent Volunteer
OBJECTIVE:
Use Zoom to Virtually assist with Hillsborough County elementary school students with reading skills, basic math skills readiness and emotional /social skills, thus preparing them for a successful future.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assist children in reading, define gross, motor skills, cognitive skills, in cooperation with the teaching staff.
• Provide extra assistance to students who are underperforming.
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
• Serve as a positive role model and a friend.
• Build self-esteem and Motivation
• Strive for mutual respect
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Be at least 55 years old
• Must be able to pass a Level II background check.
• Ability to read and write the English language
• Interest in and comfort working with children from age 6 months to 10 years old
• Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitment
• Attend training sessions as prescribed 0
• Be willing to adhere to all program policies
• Be a good listener
• Be encouraging and supportive
• Be patient and flexible
• Be tolerant and respectful of individual differences
• Be experienced at using Zoom or willing to learn how to use Zoom
BENEFITS:
• Virtual volunteers will be provided optional ongoing zoom training.
• Volunteers will be given the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with a child by assisting that child in developing an essential skill in today’s society.
• Knowing that your time and energy are making a difference in a child’s life.
• Training sessions and group activities
• Personal ongoing support and supervision to help achieve success as a Foster Grandparent.
• Participation in recognition events
• Virtual Foster Grandparent volunteers can receive an optional monthly stipend for service if they income-qualify.
COMITTMENT EXPECTED:
Virtual Foster Grandparent volunteers serve a minimum of 5 hours per week tutoring and mentoring children and/or attending training sessions.
TRAINING:
Virtual Foster Grandparents receive a 20 hour Virtual Orientation via Zoom
Virtual Foster Grandparents receive monthly, in-service training on subjects that are appropriate to the role of the Foster Grandparent (i.e. Social/Emotional learning)
NEXT STEP:
If you would like to become a Foster Grandparent or receive more information about it, scroll down to the framed paragraph below, complete and submit the form. Someone from the Foster Grandparents program at Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay will contact you within the next business day.
The code for this page is Foster.