Volunteer Opportunity: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center

Polliwog Preschool Volunteers

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Located on a biologically diverse 320-acre wetland nature park in the heart of urban Bellevue, WA, the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center is a collaboration between the City of Bellevue and Pacific Science Center. Polliwog Preschool is a Mercer Slough program for preschoolers (3-5 years old) and is seeking Preschool Volunteers. At Polliwog Preschool we focus on developing the whole child – socially, emotionally, mentally and physically – while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. The program is play-based and student-driven with stations to choose from, discovery exploration times and specific activities that relate to a new theme each week.

Energetic, caring people with a background or interest in early childhood and environmental education are needed to assist with Polliwog Preschool’s many offerings. Volunteers will get a chance to assist Polliwog Preschool Educators while contributing to the success of this popular program. We ask that volunteers are able to commit for a minimum of 3 months as well as be able to come in once or twice a week for four hours.

Reports to: Mercer Slough Site Supervisor & Early Childhood Education Staff

Position Start Date: September or October 2015

Schedule: Our three Polliwog Preschool groups come Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Volunteers are needed for our weekday morning classes from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, with a later shift time of 12:30 – 4:30 pm available on Tuesday and Thursday.

 Job Duties:

  • Assist Polliwog Preschool Educators by interacting with students during free play times, modeling and reinforcing positive behaviors
  • Engage students in investigations, imaginative play, and cooperative interactions with other students
  • Model “Leave No Trace” environmental education principles for students
  • Demonstrate and support students’ appreciation for the natural world, and aid students in positively and safely interacting with the park’s flora and fauna
  • Greet parents and students
  • Safely move the group from place to place, and ensuring that students are properly dressed for the weather conditions

Required

  • 18+ years old
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Provide three references (one or more being a professional reference)
  • Commit to volunteering at least once a week for at least 6 months

Abilities and Personal Characteristics

    • Desire to work with and inspire preschool-age children from diverse backgrounds
    • Enthusiasm for science, the environment and education
    • Excitement about going outside with children in all kinds of weather
    • Courteous professional manner
    • Ability to exercise sound judgment and flexibility should difficult situations arise
    • Excellent oral communication skills
    • Ability to present oneself in a professional manner with regards to personal appearance and hygiene
    • Smiling team player, with a pleasant disposition and service orientation

Benefits

  • A Science Center membership after three months
  • Bus or parking pass on the day you volunteer
  • Opportunity to share your knowledge and skills
  • Add to your resume and explore new careers
  • Elevate your current skill set and showcase your talent
  • Expand your network of contacts and raise your visibility
  • Experience leadership and be part of a great team

TO APPLY: Complete the volunteer application available here. Or go to the Pacific Science Center website at https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/volunteers/

Last Updated September 11, 2015