Little Helpers Learn & Play
Service Opportunities
for Ages 3 - 5
for Ages 3 - 5
Little Helpers Learn & PlayLittle Helpers Learn & Play introduces families with young children to volunteering while making new friends in the community! The curriculum was created by Carol McHorse, a certified teacher with an early childhood education specialization, and all of our facilitators are certified teachers. Each session includes a story and an age-appropriate service activity for families to do together as well as time to play and get to know each other.
This program is intended for 3- to 5-year olds who have not yet entered Kindergarten. The program fee for our sessions is $120 per child. We offer fee assistance to families with a demonstrated financial need.
Questions? Check out the FAQs at the bottom of
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Upcoming 2023 Sessions
Summer 2023
Come learn and play with us this summer!
July Session
(Full)
Two weekends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 15th
Helping Animals
Sunday, July 16th
Helping the Environment - Gardening
Saturday, July 22nd
Helping People - Seniors
Sunday, July 23rd
Helping the Environment - Park Clean Up
(Full)
Two weekends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 15th
Helping Animals
Sunday, July 16th
Helping the Environment - Gardening
Saturday, July 22nd
Helping People - Seniors
Sunday, July 23rd
Helping the Environment - Park Clean Up
All sessions are capped at 8 children and 8 caregivers.
July Program Fee: $100
(limited fee assistance available)
At this time, if our partners require masks, all Generation SERVE participants over 2 years old, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 Policy page.
Locations details will be shared with registered participants and are subject to change.
Fall 2023
Once weekly sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays begin the week of September 11th.
Registration will open in late July.
Once weekly sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays begin the week of September 11th.
Registration will open in late July.
Family VolunteeringGetting started with volunteerism early helps establish service as a core part of who a child is, inspiring lifelong volunteerism and philanthropy. Our monthly Activity Calendar offers many opportunities for children as young as three to volunteer in the community alongside a parent or caregiver. Many opportunities are open to all ages, while some of our activities each month are dedicated to a preschool-only audience. These activities offer meaningful service opportunities that are age-appropriate for little helpers.
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Family volunteering at Adelphi Acre Community Garden
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Little Helpers Learn & Play Program Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you offer the Little Helpers program?
Currently, we offer sessions in the fall, spring and summer. Stay connected to our website, Facebook page, and our targeted emails for announcements about registration opening.
Can my 2-year-old or kindergartener participate?
This program was created for children age 3 to 5 who have not yet started kindergarten. Little Helpers is not appropriate for children outside of that age range because our curriculum was created with the developmental needs of 3- to 5-year-olds in mind.
Kindergarteners’ experience in a classroom environment makes them too advanced for Little Helpers curriculum and we have found that they are not challenged, which influences the group dynamic. We have found that focusing on 3- to 5-year-olds who have not started kindergarten maximizes the experience for everyone!
Kindergarteners’ experience in a classroom environment makes them too advanced for Little Helpers curriculum and we have found that they are not challenged, which influences the group dynamic. We have found that focusing on 3- to 5-year-olds who have not started kindergarten maximizes the experience for everyone!
Where does this program take place?
Most of our Little Helpers activities take place on-site at various nonprofits around town. Activity locations will be provided to participants after registering for the program.
I have a financial need. Is fee assistance available?
Yes, we offer fee assistance to families with demonstrated financial need for all programs that include a fee to participate. We feel strongly that a family's financial situation should not be a barrier to the positive outcomes a child can gain from serving our community. We also offer payment plans to any family who requests one.
To learn more or request fee assistance, visit our Fee Assistance page.
To learn more or request fee assistance, visit our Fee Assistance page.
What is your refund policy for the Little Helpers program fee?
Families can receive a refund until two weeks before the program start date. After that time, the program fee is non-refundable.
Do you offer accommodations for kids with special needs?
We are happy to make reasonable accommodations for families with kids with special needs. Story time and service activities have some flexibility to them, especially because caregivers participate with their children. Please contact us here so we can make sure your child’s needs are met!
The weather doesn’t look good. Will my Little Helpers activity be cancelled?
We keep an eye on weather conditions for outdoor activities. In the case of inclement weather, our program team will be in touch about activity cancellations.
If a Little Helpers activity is cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances with our partners, we will try our best to reschedule the activity or organize a make-up activity.
If a Little Helpers activity is cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances with our partners, we will try our best to reschedule the activity or organize a make-up activity.
Can I switch Little Helpers sessions?
Families must attend the session they signed up for, we do not allow families to switch sessions.
Lessons learned at each Little Helpers activity build on each other and, because activities are different for each session, switching sessions hinders the benefits a child can receive from the program. A big part of the Little Helpers program is also forming connections with the other families in each session and switching groups can make a child feel disconnected from the other kids.
At the time each Little Helpers program begins, sessions have already been filled. We cannot accommodate extra participants in a session due to limited materials and space.
Lessons learned at each Little Helpers activity build on each other and, because activities are different for each session, switching sessions hinders the benefits a child can receive from the program. A big part of the Little Helpers program is also forming connections with the other families in each session and switching groups can make a child feel disconnected from the other kids.
At the time each Little Helpers program begins, sessions have already been filled. We cannot accommodate extra participants in a session due to limited materials and space.
Can I bring a sibling with me to Little Helpers activities?
Confined toddlers and infants are welcome to attend but not participate. Older siblings and free-range toddlers are not allowed to attend. All participants must be in the 3 to 5 age range and must have paid and registered for the program.
I can’t make it this week. can another adult or caregiver attend with my child?
Yes, if you are unable to attend a Little Helpers activity with your child you are welcome to send them with another adult or caregiver.
Can I bring my friend, who is 3 to 5 years old, with me to Little Helpers?
No, all participants must have paid and registered for the program. We try to foster group bonding and build a comfortable atmosphere for the preschoolers in our program, and bringing an unknown person changes that dynamic.
I can’t make it this week. Can my friend take my place in the program?
No, all participants must have paid and registered for the program. We try to foster group bonding and build a comfortable atmosphere for the preschoolers in our program, and bringing an unknown person changes that dynamic.
I have to miss an activity. Can I make it up?
Although we suggest participants attend all Little Helpers activities to get the most out of the program, we understand things come up from time to time. However, there is no opportunity to make up an activity you have missed. If you are unable to attend an activity, email us to let us know.
Occasionally, we will need to cancel an activity in the case of inclement weather. If your activity has been cancelled, we will try our best to reschedule the activity or organize a make-up activity.
Occasionally, we will need to cancel an activity in the case of inclement weather. If your activity has been cancelled, we will try our best to reschedule the activity or organize a make-up activity.
Can I sign up for another Little Helpers session after mine has ended?
Yes! If your child is still in the 3- to 5-year-old age group and has not yet entered kindergarten, you are welcome to sign them up for another Little Helpers session. Some activities may be repeated, but no two sessions are identical. Your family will have a different experience every time with different kids participating, different activities and (in some cases) a different facilitator.
We finished the program! What other opportunities are there for us to volunteer?
We always have activities on our Family Volunteering calendar perfect for preschoolers. Your child is welcome to volunteer at any of our all ages activities or our activities specific to preschoolers, which are always listed on our monthly calendar email.
Your family is also welcome to participate in another Little Helpers session if your child is still in the 3- to 5-year-old age group and has not yet entered kindergarten.
After each Little Helpers session, we also provide participating families with ideas to continue serving on your own.
Your family is also welcome to participate in another Little Helpers session if your child is still in the 3- to 5-year-old age group and has not yet entered kindergarten.
After each Little Helpers session, we also provide participating families with ideas to continue serving on your own.