Early Childhood Volunteering Opportunities

Cassidy’s Place, Merricat’s Castle School, Keith Haring School, Graham School, and Cody Gifford House offer opportunities to work with young children in ABC’s early childhood education programs. Volunteers assist classroom teachers by working directly with children under their supervision. Their primary responsibility is to play with the children (the best and most joyful job of all!). Other duties vary depending on the needs of the classrooms. For example, in ABC’s infant programs, volunteers may be needed to hold, feed, and sing to the children. In toddler and preschool classrooms, volunteers may be asked to help with storytelling, reading, painting, arts and crafts, and supervising the children as they enjoy free play in one of ABC’s outdoor playgrounds. Staff work closely with volunteers encouraging them to take part in as many activities as they feel comfortable undertaking.  

At a minimum, volunteers should be high-school aged. Volunteers who are 18 and above are required to submit an up-to-date health form and complete a state mandated background check which includes fingerprinting. COVID vaccinations are required. 

Cassidy’s Place | Early Childhood Program (ages 2-5) 

419 East 86th Street (between First and York)  

Operates year-round | Monday through Friday | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm 

Volunteer Site Coordinator: Brenda Viloria | (212) 845-3891 | bviloria@a-b-c.org 

Merricat’s Castle School | Preschool Program (ages 2-5) 

316 East 88th Street (between First and Second)  

Operates September through June | Monday through Friday | 9:15 am –11:45 am & 12:45 pm – 3:15 pm 

Volunteer Site Coordinator: Linda Wosczyk | (212) 534-3656 | lwosczyk@a-b-c.org 

Keith Haring School | Early Intervention Program (ages 0-3) 

318 East 116th Street (between First and Second) 

Operates year-round | Monday through Friday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Volunteer Site Coordinator: Christina Gould | (212) 426-3960 X1 | cgould@a-b-c.org 

The Graham School at Echo Park | Early Childhood Program (ages 0-5) 

1841 Park Avenue (Northeast corner of East 126th Street) 

Operates year-round | Monday through Friday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 

Volunteer Site Coordinator: Shawana Eaddy | (646) 459-6116 | seaddy@a-b-c.org 

Cody Gifford House | Early Intervention Program (ages 0-3) 

404 East 91st Street (between First and Second) 

Operates year-round |Monday through Friday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Volunteer Site Coordinator: Chrissy Zaccario | (212) 369-2010 X302 | czacarrio@a-b-c.org