Volunteers & Practicum Students

VOLUNTEERS & PRACTICUM STUDENTS

Guidelines

At TOPP KIDS Out of School Clubs, volunteers and practicum students are a valued part of our team. Under the guidance and supervision of our certified educators, they help us create safe, happy, healthy, and stimulating environments where children can play, grow, laugh, and learn.

Volunteer Opportunities

By joining TOPP KIDS, volunteers have the opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience in a licensed child care setting.
• Develop creativity and leadership skills.
• Build a strong sense of responsibility.
• Learn to collaborate effectively within a team.
• Experience Canadian culture in a supportive environment.
• Engage in a multicultural community that values inclusion and diversity.

We welcome individuals aged 13 and older, regardless of sex, race, or religion. No prior experience is necessary. Volunteer participation is flexible and based on availability, interests, and skills.

Requirements for Volunteers & Practicum Students

To ensure safety, compliance, and quality of care, all volunteers and practicum students must meet the following requirements before beginning their placement:

Application Process
All applicants (volunteers and practicum students) must complete the online application at www.toppkids.com.

Once accepted, they must:

• Any volunteer or practicum student under 18 years of age must always be supervised by an adult
  primary staff member or program supervisor.
• The supervising staff must hold a minimum Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification.
• A primary staff member or supervisor may not supervise more than one volunteer or practicum student under 18 years of age at the same time.
• A primary staff member or supervisor may not supervise more than one volunteer or practicum student under 18 years of age at the same time.

Volunteers and practicum students may not “drop in” unannounced; they must follow their assigned schedule and sign-in procedures each day.

Criminal Record Check
Only volunteers and practicum students who are 18 years of age or older are required to provide a valid
Criminal Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search, dated within 6 months of the start date.

• This must be renewed every 3 years thereafter.
• Those under 18 are not required to provide a Criminal Record Check but must follow supervision requirements at all times.

Supervision & Age Requirements (per Licensing Regulations)

All volunteers and practicum students (regardless of age) will never have unsupervised access to children

• Any volunteer or practicum student under 18 years of age must always be supervised by an adult
  primary staff member or program supervisor.
• The supervising staff must hold a minimum Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification.
• A primary staff member or supervisor may not supervise more than one volunteer or practicum student under 18 years of age at the same time.
• A primary staff member or supervisor may not supervise more than one volunteer or practicum student under 18 years of age at the same time.

First Aid

• All primary staff members at TOPP KIDS hold valid First Aid certification.
• Volunteers and practicum students are not permitted to perform First Aid under any circumstances.

Practicum Students

Practicum students play a unique role at TOPP KIDS as they balance learning with hands-on experience in our programs. To support their success, we provide:

• Individual Practicum Portfolio: Each student maintains a portfolio to document their learning, reflections, and completed requirements.
• Ongoing Support: Students receive supervision, mentorship, and feedback from certified educators throughout their placement.
• Practicum Coordinator: A dedicated Practicum Coordinator is available to guide students, support goal-setting, and act as the liaison between their educational institution and TOPP KIDS.

This structure ensures that practicum students are both supported in their professional growth and able to meaningfully contribute to our programs.

Key Notes for Volunteers & Practicum Students

• You are here to support educators and children, not to act as participants in the program.
• Professionalism, reliability, and teamwork are expected at all times.
• Schedules must be followed. Any changes must be arranged with the Program Coordinator.
• Volunteers and practicum students must uphold the values and culture of TOPP KIDS, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all children and families.

Summary

At TOPP KIDS, our volunteers and practicum students are an important extension of our team. By following proper procedures, training, and supervision requirements, we ensure that every child in our care is safe, supported, and thriving.