Re: starting volunteers in the playroom

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Posted By ---> A Son-Rise Message Board Participant on May 23, 2000 at 01:43:48:

In Reply to: starting volunteers in the playroom posted byLynn on May 22, 2000 at 10:02:08:

We always have a prospective volunteer meet with Curtis before joining on. We used to have them go into the room with one of us but now he'll approach the person as they come in the door. When they were ready to begin, I'd spend time beforehand giving basic techniques, answering questions and discussing comfort level, etc. Then, I'd send them in the room by themselves with instructions to just share themselves with him and get to know him. The time they spend the first time varies greatly with what happens with the two of them but usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. We've had two that did so well the first time and Curty didn't want them to leave that they spent a full hour. One he tried to pull in the room the minute she walked in the door for the first time. And that was when he was very severely autistic and not at all interactive. After they spend some time in the room, I bring them out for feedback and then send them in again for a short period. We do the mid-session feedbacks for a few sessions and then gradually lengthen the sessions depending on their comfort level and how well they're doing the program.
Gaylen

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---> Name:
Subject: Re: Re: starting volunteers in the playroom

Comments:: We always have a prospective volunteer meet with Curtis before joining on. We used to have them go into the room with one of us but now he'll approach the person as they come in the door. When they were ready to begin, I'd spend time beforehand giving basic techniques, answering questions and discussing comfort level, etc. Then, I'd send them in the room by themselves with instructions to just share themselves with him and get to know him. The time they spend the first time varies greatly with what happens with the two of them but usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. We've had two that did so well the first time and Curty didn't want them to leave that they spent a full hour. One he tried to pull in the room the minute she walked in the door for the first time. And that was when he was very severely autistic and not at all interactive. After they spend some time in the room, I bring them out for feedback and then send them in again for a short period. We do the mid-session feedbacks for a few sessions and then gradually lengthen the sessions depending on their comfort level and how well they're doing the program. : Gaylen