SUPERVISING THE CARESSING ROOM

 

1. Call the Parent Volunteers and the center the day before each scheduled meeting to remind them.  On the first day of the program someone from the center should be in the caressing room the entire time, in case you need any assistance.

2. Arrive early to make sure that the caressing room is set up properly and that the proper persons have begun to bring in the seniors.  If the center will be providing refreshments, talk to someone in the kitchen so you can let them know when you want the refreshments.

3. Introduce yourself to the seniors and to the mothers and children as they arrive.  (Giving nametags to everyone is a great help.)

4. Remind mothers to sign in and, if it's their first time, to pick up a Volunteer's Orientation Manual.  If an outline of the day's Project Caress Shcedule is available, make sure the parents read it.

5. Encourage the mohers and their children to introduce themselves to the seniors, and vice versa.

6. Begin your program activities.  Note - Depending upon the location, and the number and ages of the participants, different program activities are recommended.  Read the Program Ideas for various activity ideas.

7. At the close of the program, shake hands with and thank each parent, child and senior attending.  If there are any new parents, ask them to stay to discuss the program and answer any questions they might have.

8. Clean up the room and notify the center's director/coordinator that you are preparing to leave.  At this time, tell him/her ifthere are any seniors left in the caressing room that need assistance in leaving, and remember to thank him/her as well.

9. A day or two after the program, it is a good practice to call each new parent after their initial visit to the caressing room, to discuss or listen to any of their concerns or reactions regarding the program.

10. While supervising the program, if you come upon any problems of any sort, try and resolve them with the proper persons.  If this doesn't work, talk with the Project Caress Program Coodinator.