Volunteers make a difference in the classroom and in children’s lives! Capital Area Head Start invites you to become a volunteer within our program. We have multiple opportunities for you to get involved and make an impact in your community.

Regular Volunteers

You’ll participate in a preschool classroom or during Early Head Start Family Days.

Hands on Training (Preschool Classroom)

This program is designed for volunteers who want to gain an understanding of early childhood education. You’ll gain classroom experience, along with training to become a Substitute or Associate Teacher. You must complete volunteer hours in the preschool classroom and required trainings.

Hands on Training (Early Home Visiting)

This program is designed for volunteers who want to gain an understanding of early childhood education in a home-based model. You’ll have the opportunity to train to become a Early Head Start Home Visitor through a combination of required trainings and volunteer hours working with expectant families and children ages birth to three.

Student Interns

We welcome student interns in our programs. If you’re a student seeking an internship, please contact the main office at 717-541-1795.

Special Project Volunteers

Special Project volunteers help with a variety of different tasks, based on staff requests. You may work individually or in a group. Some projects may by one-time tasks that involve no interactions with children. If you are interested in helping with special projects, please contact the main office at 717-541-1795 to ask about available opportunities.

Please note, volunteering or completing Hands on Training does not guarantee employment with Capital Area Head Start. If you have questions, please email Sheila Forrester at [email protected].

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Submit a hard copy of your results for a PPD (TB test) before your first day of volunteering. If you have results within the year, you do not need to do another one. Parents and guardians, please email [email protected] to schedule a time to complete the test.
3. Get your clearances.

Clearances

Criminal Conviction Form

PA Criminal Clearance

PA Child Abuse Clearance

FBI Clearance may be needed. If you have lived in Pennsylvania for more than ten consecutive years, please complete the affidavit form. If you lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 consecutive years, complete your FBI Clearance online. Use Volunteer Service Code 1KG6ZJ. There are no codes for payment. If you are an enrolled parent or guardian, Capital Area Head Start will cover your cost. After scheduling your appointment, email [email protected] with the appointment date and time. Complete as soon as possible so payment can be made.

It Takes a Community to Raise a Child!

Become a volunteer with Capital Area Head Start.