Classroom Volunteer

Volunteers are needed at the Centre for Autism Calgary location! 

The Classroom Respite volunteer will assist Centre staff with creating a social, fun, safe and enjoyable learning environment under the guidance of the Centre staff member in charge. 

CFASA is an independent Early Childhood Services (ECS) provider. CFASA’s onsite program is designed for children identified as Autistic (or query), or those who need a high level of support in their speech and language development at school. Our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms focus on familiarizing children with the school environment, routines, and engagement with peers. Our goal is to prepare children attend Kindergarten or Grade 1 in their community neighbourhood school. Our program focus is to create nurturing and supportive learning environments that celebrate each child’s strengths and individuality. Classes combine play-based and structured activities to enhance school readiness. School readiness goals are tailored to each child’s pace and needs. Daily routines include learning experiences in academics, communication, socialization, motor skills, and self-help skills.

Shifts are available Monday-Thursday 8:30AM – 12PM or 12PM-4PM.
A minimum commitment of one shift per week is required, for a minimum of 6 months.

Volunteer responsibilities: 
• Assist with set-up and preparation at the beginning of your shift
• Greet participants and their families upon their arrival and direct participants to the appropriate area
• Assist in creating a creating a social, fun, safe and enjoyable group environment
• Assist & encourage those individuals participating in the activities
• Participate in activities: play, sing, dance, games, sports
• Act as a peer model (physically model, repeat instructions)
• Socialize, form trust and build relationships
• The volunteer may be assigned to working one-on-one with a participant to further support their social skill development
• Communicate with staff when you have questions/concerns or are unsure of something
• Follow the guidelines regarding safety
• Actively participate with staff in de-briefing meetings and clean up at the end of class as required
• Gain a thorough understanding of the Centre for Autism Services Alberta, our mission, vision, goals, values, programs and services


Qualifications/Competencies Required:
• Have a love of people and appreciation for the diversity of individuals with Autism
• Be extremely comfortable being silly, playing, engaging in imaginative play and having fun
• Possess good interpersonal and communication skills
• Be outgoing, social and able to engage with a diverse group of people
•  Have a good attitude and be eager to learn
• Be able to read, follow instructions and work independently
• Must demonstrate superb reliability. Absences without notice are not tolerated
• Be able to: run, crouch, bend, stand, sit on the floor and be active during the majority of your shift
• Be willing to accept feedback on your performance and make changes as necessary
• Have the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Have a willingness to develop or further develop behavioural skills
• Have a clean Clear Criminal Record Check and Child Intervention Record Check (renewed every 3 years) *free to do through us