What is required to become a mentor?



• Complete and submit an online application


• Login to Volunteer Management System for background clearance instructions and forms


• Complete and submit Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results


• Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting through Santa Clara County Sherriff's Office


• Attend a 3 hour-Reading Mentor Training



How long does it take to begin working in the classroom?

This depends on the volunteer.
 YWCR must first receive all of your paperwork. At Your login page you have access to forms, 
 paperwork (online), and training schedules. Once fingerprinting, paperwork, and training is 
 complete you are ready to go!


I am a teacher -- do I have to complete the JCL taining in order to volunteer?

Yes. We ask everyone to attend a 
 YWCR training session to learn about YWCR's philosophy and approach. Also, you will learn how the
 program operates and about certain requirements


Can Teenagers tutor?

Most schools require that an adult
 accompany volunteers under 16 years of age. If a teenager (under 16) wishes to tutor, in most cases, 
 he or she must be accompaned by a parent or guardian; both parent and teen must complete YWCR 
 training and required paperwork. Teens under the age of 18 do not need to be fingerprinted. 
 They do need current TB Test.


Can I choose a school and grade that I want to work with?

Yes We Can Read focuses on 
 Kindergarten and first grade students. Yes, you can tell us your preference in terms of the 
 school and the grade you would like to work with and we will do our best to accommodate.


What is the minimum time commitment of a volunteer?

The minimum commitment is one 
 hour per week, for 24 weeks during the year (12 sessions in the Fall and 12 session in the Spring). 
 There is no maximum. Many tutors spend up to three or four hours at their school each week and 
 work with multiple students


I would like to volunteer with JCL, but I work full time. How else can I help?

First, don't assume because you work fulltime
 that you can't tutor. You may be able to work in the morning before work, or at lunch time. For more ideas on 
 how you can get involved, visit www.grailfamilyservices.org


What should I do if I am unhappy with my placement or volunteer experience?

We suggest that you try speaking first with your teacher - many problems can be resolved this way. If this does not help, please contact the YWCR Family Literacy Coordinator. We are more than happy to provcide support and advice and speak with the school on your behalf to change the situation. Just let us know.

What do I do about my scheduled vacation or if I am unable to tutor?

Let us know ahead of time if possible. If you can only give short notice, you should leave a voice message with our Family Literacy Coordinator.

If I Can't continue tutoring, what should I do?

Please do your best to let us know as soon as you know you may not be able to continue. This allows us more time to let the students and the teachers know and it updates or records.