At LGK we have been working with Help Me Grow and medical students at UVM Medical Center to develop a list of “ volunteers”  who can specify if they are available for  free or if they wish to be paid, to go into homes to care for children during this unprecedented time.  It is an informal system and the names are given to working parents  through HMG at 211 ext 6.  The parent and the volunteer make the match. It was initially designed for essential workers only, but as people go back to work, we are broadening the guidelines around who might use it. We have extended it to include asking if people would be interested in working in regulated care programs this summer as we expect some programs will need staff. And, we want to see if we can get some volunteers outside of Chittenden County. Knowing that college students who planned to work in summer camps or other type programs that might not be open this summer, might be looking for work, we are extending our reach past early childhood educators and medical students to undergraduates. Below is the communication that went out from LGK when we launched this project. The language just needs to be tweaked a bit.  The link for volunteers to fill out is included.

Best,

LouAnn

I hope this email finds you in good health and spirits. We have heard from you loudly and clearly. You are looking for ways that you can help families in need of essential care and wanting to use some of your unexpected time to access high quality professional development. In response we’re offering the following opportunities.  Collaborating for Care:  If you are a medical student, early childhood educator, or other professional who has had a background check and basic first aid training, and you are looking for a way to help during this crisis, please consider signing up to provide volunteer or for-hire child care in the home of an essential worker. During this challenging time when those in essential roles need to work yet most child care programs and schools are closed, in-home care might be the best solution for some families. Fill out this form to share your availability and see if you are a good fit. Information regarding available caregivers will be organized through Vermont’s Help Line, Help Me Grow at 2-1-1 extension 6. Parents will connect with available caregivers to consider a potential match.

As always, thank you so much for all that you do for Vermont’s children and families.   LouAnn Beninati Director of Program Viability Strategies

LouAnn Beninati
Director, Program Viability Strategies
Let’s Grow Kids
louann@letsgrowkids.org
802-578-5087
19 Marble Avenue | Suite 4 | Burlington, VT 05401