Who We Are:

Beyond Blindness aims to prepare children with visual impairments for a life of independence through early intervention, education and family support. Early intervention plays a crucial role as it helps children overcome obstacles and delays caused by a visual impairment.

How You Can Help:

Children with visual impairments and other disabilities need specialized support in learning settings. Our toddler classrooms focus on healthy development and school readiness and provide a highly inclusive environment and specialized training in sensory development, utilization of low vision, and adaptive skills. In this position, the Classroom Aide will work with our Early Childhood Teachers and Teacher Assistants to support the daily operations of our on-site classrooms. Classroom Aides will provide our classroom students with one-on-one or group attention, so that our classroom staff can facilitate classroom activities and oversee program goals.

Volunteer Expectations:

Support classroom teachers and teacher aides by assisting at snack/mealtimes, helping with nap time procedures, and interacting and building rapport with our students

Comfortable working with kids ages 6 months - 5 years with special needs

Bring bright, positive energy to the classroom

Arrive on site in a consistent and punctual manner

Keep an open line of communication with Volunteer Coordinator

Benefits:

Provides letters of recommendation, volunteer hour certificates, and possible academic credit

Gain experience working with infants, toddlers, and pre-school aged children

Learn about volunteering with kids with special needs, and the blind and visually impaired community in OC

Opportunities to shadow certified service providers and early interventionists on site

Joy of making a difference in your local community

In-Person Training Requirements:

Online Volunteer Application (5 minutes)

In-Person Volunteer Orientation and Training (1 hour)

Online Pest Management Training (<1 hour)

Required HR Paperwork



Requirements:

Must be 15+ years old

Must have reliable transportation to our site

Must pass a criminal background check/Live Scan (For volunteers who are younger than 18: provide a letter of recommendation)

Must be COVID-19 Vaccinated

Must have required immunizations and negative TB test (within the last 4 years)

Complete all Beyond Blindness volunteer onboarding



Qualifications:

Passion for Beyond Blindness's mission and the communities that we serve

Enthusiastic and open-minded personality

Experience working with children is encouraged, but not required. Must be willing to ask questions and learn in the role



If you are interested in volunteering with Beyond Blindness as a Volunteer Classroom Aide or learning about our other volunteer opportunities, please apply on our website or find the application linked here: https://www.beyondblindness.org/volunteer-application/



Please email volunteer@beyondblindness.org with any questions.

*Important information

*Volunteer time shifts are broken down into the following time frames:

Monday Morning

Monday Afternoon

Tuesday Morning

Tuesday Afternoon

Wednesday Morning

Wednesday Afternoon

Thursday Morning

Thursday Afternoon

Friday Morning

Friday Afternoon

For more information please visit the organization directly at: https://www.beyondblindness.org/