VIPS FAQ

Who may become a vips?

Anyone who enjoys working with people and has a genuine interest in the education of children may become a VIPS.  Formal or specialized education is not always necessary.

What do Volunteers Do?

Volunteer services are varied and broad. The kind of service depends upon the needs of the individual school or teacher as well as the interests and abilities of the volunteer.  General areas for volunteer assistance include:  tutoring students; general classroom assistance; library, office, health room or playground assistance; making instructional games; assisting with art, music, science, home economics, special projects, special education for the gifted or those with learning disabilities; tutoring English as a Second Language; helping with special activities; mentoring; chaperoning field trips; and enriching the curriculum as a resource volunteer by speaking to classes.

When do volunteers serve?

Most VIPS serve during school hours but there are volunteer opportunities at other times, such as after-school tutoring, assisting with sports events, chaperoning activities, etc.

How much time must a volunteer give?

There is no minimum requirement.  VIPS serve as little or as much time as they wish.  However, volunteers are encouraged to set up a schedule for fulfilling their volunteer commitments and to stick with it.

Where do volunteers serve?

Volunteers can serve in any Little Rock School District facility where teachers or staff request help.

What exactly is a resource volunteer?

A resource VIPS is anyone with special interests, talents, skills, hobbies or life experiences who shares this information with students.  Resource volunteers visit classrooms at times and locations which are convenient for them.  Resource volunteers may serve one or several times during the year, depending upon requests for their services and the volunteer's availability.

What is mentoring?

Mentors develop a supportive one-to-one relationship with a student to facilitate the student's educational, social and personal growth.  Each volunteer mentor spends one hour per week visiting in school with an assigned student and acts as a special friend, role model and advisor to the student.

What is the Partners in Education program?

Business and community organizations in the greater Little Rock area are matched with an elementary or secondary school in a mutually beneficial partnership developed to meet individual needs and talents at the school and organization.  Some businesses grant release-time to employee volunteers to act as tutors or mentors, develop enrichment programs or provide incentives for student achievements.  Schools, in turn, recognize their partners with decorative arts, musical presentations or other mutually agreed upon activities.  Partners in Education is an opportunity for businesses, community organizations and schools to support one another.

What training is necessary?

On-the-job orientation and training will be provided by a member of the VIPS staff and/or the teacher or staff member with whom the volunteer works.  Additionally, support sessions for specialized volunteer groups, such as mentors or Partners in Education, are offered by VIPS during the school year.  All training and support sessions are free and open to any interested person.

I'd like to volunteer, but I work full time.

Many volunteers hold jobs but still participate in the VIPS program in some of the following ways:  release-time volunteer  (a member of the VIPS staff can contact your employer to discuss arrangements); resource volunteer; after-hour tutoring; helping with special events on weekends or at night; typing or making learning aids in your own home at your convenience; arranging for your business, factory or other facility to accommodate visits by individuals or groups of students.  Contact the VIPS office for a list of additional ways working people can serve as school volunteers.

Do volunteers take the place of teachers?

No.  Volunteers serve only at the request of a teacher or other staff member and work under his or her supervision.

Why is the vips program needed?

Volunteer assistance helps increase the amount of individual attention students receive.  Also, the vast experience and skills of volunteers provide significant enrichment of the curriculum.  By providing a means for increased community participation in public education, VIPS expands communication and understanding between schools and our community, providing citizens an opportunity to be significantly involved in the education of youngsters.  VIPS strongly believes that those who experience our schools firsthand quickly come to share our conviction that Little Rock schools provide a quality comprehensive education for students.

How is the VIPS Program Funded?

VIPS funding is provided by the Little Rock School District and private donations from the community. The school district furnishes staff salaries, some administrative costs, office space and other  in-kind services. Donations from civic and social organizations, individuals, businesses and grants cover other program expenses.

How do I become a VIPS?

Contact the VIPS office at 324-2290. Or begin the process by completing our online application form. Of course, you are always welcome to visit the VIPS office located in the Student Assignment building at 501 Sherman Street.