Volunteer Guidelines

Collaboration Education Volunteer Guidelines

Welcome to Collaboration Education!
We are happy to have you join us in our mission and grateful that you have decided to dedicate some of your time to our students and families. Below is a brief overview of information that should be helpful as you begin your work with our organization.

Our Mission

Collaboration Education Inc. is a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)(3) organization that provides expert tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment activities to economically disadvantaged K–12 students who are struggling academically.

We work in coordination with schools, families, and community organizations to help these children succeed. Activities take place outside of the school day in a variety of community settings.

We also provide opportunities for toddlers and their parents to engage in active, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Our Volunteers

Many of our volunteers are experienced educators who use their areas of expertise to address the individual needs of our students. However, some of our most successful volunteers also come from other backgrounds. The common thread among all our volunteers is a love of working with children and a willingness to share their valuable skills and knowledge.

Collaboration Education offers resources and support to all volunteers.

Non-tutoring volunteers are also welcome. Areas such as fundraising, finance, computer management, marketing, and website maintenance are always in need of assistance.

Time Commitment

The amount of time volunteers donate varies. Because we work with students for whom stability and continuity are important, we ask tutors to commit to one regular afternoon per week (approximately 1–1½ hours) with their assigned student.

Two tutors are assigned to each student. This allows students to have two tutoring sessions per week, while also ensuring that if one tutor is unavailable due to vacation or other commitments, the student will still be seen at least once that week.

If an unexpected schedule change occurs, the volunteer should contact either the parent directly or the site supervisor. Phone numbers will be provided once a student is assigned. If the tutor cannot reach the parent or site supervisor, a Board member should be contacted for assistance.

Volunteer Support

Board members maintain regular communication with tutors who are also encouraged to have ongoing communication with their partner tutors. 

A shared document on our website is set up for each student so tutors can exchange information and updates about the child’s progress.

General meetings are held once or twice a year, giving volunteers an opportunity to share experiences, meet one another, and build supportive networks.

Teaching materials are provided by Collaboration Education based on individual student needs. Tutors are also welcome to use materials from their own collections or classroom experience.

We do not use standardized tutoring programs. Tutors are encouraged to select materials and strategies that best support their student. If additional materials are needed, please contact a Board member.

Board members will also assist in establishing communication with the student’s parent(s) and school.

Safety Guidelines

The safety and well-being of both our students and volunteers is of paramount importance.

Volunteers will never be asked to work in a student's private home, nor should tutoring ever take place in a non-public or unsupervised location. Collaboration Education will arrange an appropriate tutoring site.

Volunteers should not make personal arrangements to tutor a student outside of the approved location. Volunteers should also never transport students or their parents (by private vehicle, public transportation, or walking) to another location or arrange personal outings. In the event of an emergency or if any concerns arise, tutors should contact a Board member immediately. Cell phone numbers for Board members are listed at the end of this document.

Confidentiality Policy

All interactions with students, families, and schools are strictly confidential and should never be discussed outside the context of Collaboration Education.

Photographs of students should never be shared. While photographs of activities may occasionally be used on our website, they are taken in ways that do not reveal student faces or identities.

Under no circumstances should student information or photographs be shared on social media.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

In addition to regular tutoring sessions, volunteers may participate in other activities throughout the year, including:

• Special trips for students and their parents

• Summer enrichment projects

• Special event days (often during school breaks) featuring fun learning activities for students

And Finally…

We deeply appreciate and value your volunteer service on behalf of Collaboration Education. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children and help place them on a path to success in school and in life.

Often, the care, encouragement, and consistency you provide can be just as important as the academic skills you help students develop.

Thank you for caring and for joining us in this mission.

Board Members

Elaine Kanas — Board Chair
(914) 261-3612

Deirdre Hayes — Secretary/Treasurer
(516) 330-3678

Joanne Lufrano – Board Member                                                                                                

(516) 286-0312

Jeannette Baxter – Board Member

(516) 503-0907