Foster Grandparent volunteers assist children in need of academic attention by providing an older companion to help the children overcome their academic challenges. Foster Grandparents will assess academic skills as well as life and social skills and ultimately serve as a role model. 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 passions to opportunities that interest you, including those in local schools, youth facilities, early childhood education and day care centers.
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 interest sheet, which will help us pair you with a child 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 Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High 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 $3.15 an hour stipend, meal and travel reimbursement that does not affect any of their 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
- You must be 55 years of age and or older
- Complete an application and interview
- Provide 3 non-family references
- Physical exam, including a TB test
- Have reliable transportation
- Enjoy working with children
- Have a clear Criminal History Check (which includes a FBI fingerprint check) and a National Sex Offender Registry Check which be paid for and conducted by our program
More information
For more information feel free to contact the Director of Foster Grandparent, 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 Project Assistant)
woodsl@appstate.edu