Foster Grandparent volunteers assist children in need of academic attention by providing one-on-one classroom assistance. Foster Grandparents work with teachers to set academic and social-emotional goals for their assigned students. Sharing your time and experience can help children learn how to read, prepare younger students for school readiness, tackle tough subjects and make decisions that will keep them on the right path. We'll match your skills and preferences to opportunities that interest you, including those in local schools, developmental day cares, and early childhood education.
Being a volunteer is an enriching experience. Some volunteers also qualify for a small stipend to supplement their income. Because volunteers will be working with children, specific requirements must be met before being approved to be a volunteer. These requirements are provided below. Once approved, you will complete an application, which will help us pair you with a child(ren) who has been referred to the program. You will most likely be paired with a child that needs assistance in one of your areas of interest. We place all of our volunteers at K-12 public schools, Head Start Centers, or Developmental Day Schools. If you are interested in being a Foster Grandparent volunteer, please complete the form below. Foster Grandparents who qualify also receive a modest $4.00 an hour stipend and meal and travel reimbursement. These funds do not affect any government benefits such as social security, veterans benefits, disability, rent, etc.
Throughout this process you will be in touch with the Foster Grandparent Program Director Tammy Taylor and Program Assistant Sherry Lambert. Feel free to contact these individuals to gain more information on the specific steps of becoming a Foster Grandparent. If interested in becoming a volunteer please fill out the google form which is located at the bottom of this page. Once reviewed, you will be contacted through email on the next steps of the application process.
Requirements of volunteers
- Must be 55 years of age or older
- Complete an application and interview
- Provide 3 non-family references
- Complete a physical exam, including a TB test
- Have reliable transportation
- Enjoy working with children
- Complete a Criminal History Check (which includes a FBI fingerprint check) and a National Sex Offender Registry Check. All of these will be paid for and conducted by our program.
More information
For more information feel free to contact the Director of Foster Grandparents, Tammy Taylor, whose information is listed below. To begin the application process you will need to complete the google form located at the bottom of this page. Once reviewed, we will contact you by email.
- Tammy Taylor (Foster Grandparent Program Director)
taylortp@appstate.edu - Sherry Lambert (Foster Grandparent Program Assistant)
woodsl@appstate.edu