Volunteer Program

Centennial’s many volunteers are the backbone of the Preschool Program providing a unique one-to-one adult/child ratio. Two Volunteer Coordinators recruit volunteers from the community to work with the children one morning a week from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m at our Centre, on 1580 Yonge St. Many learn of Centennial through friends who have had a positive experience volunteering; some come through volunteer centres, others are parents or relatives of Centennial graduates. Each volunteer is thoroughly trained by the staff and assigned to one child. The volunteer carries out the individualized program designed by the teachers for their child.

Regular workshops are provided for the volunteers and an “end of year” celebration gives parents and staff the opportunity to honor our valuable volunteers.

The volunteer coordinators are responsible for scheduling the 120 weekly volunteers and ensuring that no child is without an adult while at Centennial.

We feel extremely fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and committed group of people who give so much of their time to our children. The majority of the volunteers make a commitment of one morning per week. However, nearly 20 percent of these volunteers dedicate two or three mornings to us. Of the present volunteer group, 35 percent have been working with our children for over five years and 20 per cent for over ten years. Some have even been with us for over 20 years!

Many of our volunteers have received community awards.

Volunteering is no longer a casual activity for people who have leisure time, but rather an acceptance of the fact that community services are everyone’s concern because they strengthen and enrich community life. The reasons for their commitment are many: making a contribution, the joy of working with children, learning new things every day about children with special needs, working with professionals and inspiring staff, and making friends with other volunteers to name just a few.

Centennial volunteers are a vital part of society and make the work that we do possible.

If you are interested in joining the many men and women who come to us every week, year after year, please call our Volunteer Coordinators:

Judy Finlay and Judy Campbell @ 416-935-0200, ext. 221.