What is Big Red Buddies?
Big Red Buddies is a volunteering organization located within the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement. We facilitate volunteering for over 120 volunteers each semester in local HeadStart sites in Ithaca. Volunteers act as “teachers aids” in HeadStart classrooms, helping to facilitate day-to-day classroom tasks, and interacting with kids.
What Is Headstart?
Head Start is a U.S. government program that provides early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children and their families. It’s designed to help kids from birth to age five get ready for school by supporting their learning and development. The program also works with families to promote their involvement and well-being.
How old are the children?
Children at Head Start range from zero to age five. When signing up for a classroom shift, you will be able to select which age group you want to work with!
How Can I Get Involved?
The first step in getting involved is to join our CampusGroups! We begin our New Member Orientation process after ClubFest each semester. New Member Orientation consists of 2 optional information sessions and a mandatory training, where new members will hear from HeadStart professionals and our club advisors.
Following that training, new members will be able to sign up for a classroom time slot and begin the online training process, which consists of online trainings, a background check, and some waivers. Once you are all set, we invite our volunteers into Head Start Classrooms!
What is the Time Commitment?
We ask volunteers to consistently participate for one hour a week. The shift you sign up for can best be described as a “class” - you will go to your designated shift weekly, visiting the same classroom and children each time!
Shifts are offered from 8:30-11:30 Monday - Friday, each being an hour long.
Is there an application?
No! We are one of just a few Cornell organizations without an application process - all are welcome!
I’ve never worked with kids before - is that okay?
Yes! Big Red Buddies is designed for all levels of childcare experience - whether you are a veteran camp counsellor or havent interacted with a kid since you were one yourself, we are happy to welcome you! We offer support and guidance through online resources and training, plus the Head Start teachers are more than happy to help you out!
Where are the sites?
We are currently servicing three Head Start sites - two are in Ithaca (located in the commons) and we have recently expanded to a site in Dryden.
What is the dress code?
Yes! Big Red Buddies are expected to adhere to a business causal dress code - no crop tops, sweatpants, or ripped clothing is allowed. Jeans and khaki pants are ok! We ask that you go to the sites looking clean and professional.
I cant make the typical volunteering times - how else can I be involved?
If you are unable to make our typical volunteering hours, we have other options! You can join us for our once monthly Family Nights, where Head Start families are invited to the Ithaca Sciencenter. These Family Nights occur on Wednesday evenings, and are available to members on a limited basis.
We also try to host one volunteering event per year which is open to all, even those who are not active volunteers!
