- What time should I show up for the visit?
Arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your school’s scheduled visit. This allows time for staff to answer any questions you may have and to re-familiarize you with your assigned business.
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- Where should I park?
Parking is located across from our main entrance. Please follow directions on the website.
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- Can I be in the same business as my child?
No. To avoid any conflict we suggest parents be placed in a business different from their child. It is difficult to resist the temptation of “helping” your own child when they are trying to work. On the contrary, it is also easy to expect more out of your own child than the other employees. We have found that both child and volunteer have an optimal day when they are not in the same business. You will have ample opportunities to be with your child during the Exchange City visit. Feel free to take the same lunch break as your child and shop at your child’s business.
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- Do I need to provide my own lunch?
Volunteers can purchase drinks and snacks from the Corner Café but will need to bring a sack lunch.
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- Why is it so important that the volunteers be trained before they help at Exchange City?
Both programs, although unique in content, require the assistance of volunteers. Our philosophy and methods may be different than other field trip experiences We believe it is necessary that those working with the children in our programs receive basic exposure to our unique experiential learning philosophy. Our intent is not only to inform volunteers about the visit but to also give parent educators exposure to a unique approach to learning that will benefit their child both in the classroom and at home.
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- When are the orientations?
Volunteer Orientations are held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on specified Tuesdays. Training schedules for both teachers and volunteers can be found under training schedules on this site. Your child’s teacher will communicate the dates of Volunteer Orientation. It is the teacher’s responsibility to submit the Volunteer Orientation Reservation form.
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- I want to be a volunteer, but I can't attend any of the training sessions. Can I still participate on the day of my school's visit? Do I have to attend training?
We ask that all volunteers attend an orientation session before the date of their school's visit. From previous experience, we have found that untrained volunteers are unfamiliar with our experiential learning model. This leads to frustration for both the students and the volunteers. Since it is vitally important that the volunteer contribute in a positive manner to the students' experience , we ask that all volunteers able to attend orientation. Although we appreciate your offer to help, we ask that you not accompany your school on the day of their visit. If you have been through an orientation within the past three years, you do not need to attend another orientation.
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- Why is it so important that the volunteers be trained before they help at Exchange City or EarthWorks?
Both programs, although unique in content, require the assistance of volunteers. Our
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- How do Program Volunteers know what their responsibilities will be?
Program Volunteers learn all about their job responsibilities during Volunteer Orientation. You will be able to review these responsibilities at Exchange City, as a list of the responsibilities will be posted in each business.
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- Why don't you let student managers fire other student employees?
In the real world, the majority of unproductive employees would typically go through employee performance evaluations, which entail setting specific goals for improvement. Because we strive to provide the most realistic experience, citizens are expected to work through such issues as personality conflicts and uncooperative co-workers while maintaining professionalism. However, community service for uncooperative citizens may be an option!
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- Are there days when families can come to EarthWorks and Exchange City?
Stay tuned to our website for family opportunities as they arise.
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