Description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit partners with local districts and public academies to engage school staff as volunteers serving as Inclusion Support Aides in our afterschool programs for youth ages 5–12 with diverse needs.

** Important: All candidates must currently be an employee of the school district/ PSA and must obtain prior approval from the Y Afterschool Leadership Team before applying to volunteer.**
As a Volunteer Inclusion Support Aide, you will play an important role in creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants. You’ll support staff in meeting the individual needs of children with special needs, help foster social connections among participants, and assist in delivering fun and meaningful activities that promote confidence, belonging, and growth.
Key Responsibilities:

• Assist afterschool staff in supporting children with special needs through encouragement, engagement, and individualized attention.
• Serve as a positive role model and help promote inclusive play and participation in daily activities.
• Offer insight and support to help resolve behavioral challenges and inclusion barriers.
• Help facilitate communication between program staff, parents and school staff as needed.
• Support the development of friendships and a sense of community among all program participants.
• Participate in training sessions and staff meetings to stay informed and aligned with YMCA policies and practices.
• Promote the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and inclusion in all interactions.

Ideal Volunteer Traits:

• Compassionate and patient, with a genuine interest in working with youth of all abilities.
• Comfortable engaging with children in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Experience or interest in special education, youth development, or inclusive programming is preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Requirements:

• Must be a current employee of the child’s home school district.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Available to volunteer during afterschool program hours (typically between 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays).
• Willing to complete required background screening, reference check and training, including child safety prior to supporting youth in the program.

If you have additional questions regarding your role as a volunteer, about the YMCA, or would like to donate, please contact tmurphy@ymcadetroit.org
*The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our programs. We hold all volunteers regardless of service project, to the highest possible standards. We require volunteers that are working with youth to be screened regularly and sign a code of conduct. All volunteers will be monitored when interacting with program participants. We take any inappropriate interactions between program participants and with volunteers very seriously and will fully cooperate with authorities in any case of abuse.

Age Category

Adult

Location

Site location vary by District or PSA

Prerequisites

$0.00 Program Membership