In 1970, I worked as a volunteer for the summer Head Start Program in Gallipolis, Ohio. My sister attended Head Start during the summer and back then parents were "strongly" encouraged to volunteer at least 10 hours a month. My mother worked nights and had six children at home, so she did the next best thing - she "volunteered" me to help in the classroom. Each day I attended Head Start along with my sister.
Things were a little bit different then. I was the "official" second person in the classroom and did everything a teacher assistant was expected to do. I supervised children on the playground, helped serve food, worked with children one on one and small groups and "all other duties" as assigned. Later that year the family moved to Tampa, Florida.
In 1987, I had the opportunity to work with Head Start again and I jumped at the opportunity. I became the Resource Specialist and I am responsible for coordinating special projects and famiy literacy programs. My volunteer days paid off and gave me insight into my job.