OUR EVENTS
We highly recommend that you take a look at this video which will give you a sense of a See Spot Read event.
Each volunteer develops their own style of reading with a child or children; however, the video shows how some experienced volunteers work with children. We gently "coach" and help children when necessary to develop into independent and confident readers.
-
We give limited coaching to children, help with sounding out words
-
We offer lots of praise and encouragement to readers
-
We help kids feel comfortable with dogs of all sizes
-
We do not monitor the progress of students
-
We do not require interaction with teachers
-
We do not enter into a long-term commitment to one student.
We work with different students each visit; however, you will find at libraries especially that you will have repeat visitors who love coming to read with the dogs!
Library Events
You do not need to register with the Wake County to volunteer at libraries. You do need to wear or have your current therapy dog certification documents on you. Library staff may ask you to provide documentation of your current certification at any time.
Often families will come with their children to the library events. Parents should not leave their children with you and go off to do something else. We are not babysitters. If a parent attempts to leave a child with you, please tell them you would prefer that they remain with their child. If the parent objects, tell them that you are sorry, but that you will be glad to work with the child when the parent can stay. Also, you may have other children and families waiting to read to volunteers' canine companions.
Send any questions about library events to ssrclib@gmail.com
Click the calendar icon to see our current list of events
School Events
To visit schools, you must register as a volunteer with the Wake County Schools each year. This is a short process and becomes even faster after your initial registration. Wake County will run a background check on you and approve your volunteer application. You will only hear from Wake County if there is a problem. Please call the school nearest you to see when you may register, in person, as a volunteer in their Media Center. Ask the Media Coordinator to help you get started with the process. You cannot register from your home.
You will need to bring your NC Driver License with you to register as a volunteer. After you register, wait a week and then begin volunteering in schools, unless Wake County has contacted you.
When you register for volunteering in schools, you will be asked to list five schools you may visit. You may decide not to visit all five schools; however, please list five schools. You may study the Upcoming Meetups to find out which schools are attractive to you.
Send any questions on school events to ssrcsch@gmail.com
We recognize your participation is a volunteer activity; however, we encourage all our volunteers to help out whenever they can and wherever in Wake County there are opportunities. The Calendar cannot thrive without the active participation of dedicated volunteers. Have fun and make a difference!