Frequently Asked Questions about "Let's Read!" 

What is my commitment as a Volunteer Reading Tutor (VRT)?

• Complete one 2-hour training session.
• Complete the application process and sign a consent for a criminal background check (required by law).
• Visit your selected site at least one hour, one day a week for a minimum of one school year.
• Adhere to the "Let's Read!" curriculum.
• Attend periodic on-going training and support meetings

How do students qualify to take part in the "Let's Read!" program? 

• A student must be enrolled in one of SAYL's program sites
• When assessed, the student must test as reading below his or her grade level

What are the grade levels/ages of the students?

• Volunteer Reading Tutors work with students in first through fifth grade. However, volunteers begin working with second grade students, then move on to other grades as deemed appropriate by SAYL staff and the site director. 

Where may I volunteer?

• Sign up for an Orientation Class and request a VRT application packet on-line

How much volunteer time is required?

• The minimum session is one hour. During that hour VRTs work with two students, each for 30 minutes.
• Volunteers visit their site at least once a week for a minimum of one school year.
• One hour a week is the minimum, but VRTs are welcome to spend as much time as they have available working with with the children!

What are the times available?

• Availability varies depending on the site chosen by the VRT.
• "Let's Read!" program sites operate during the school day, with varying times between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

How do I know which students to work with? 

• VRTs work only with students who read below their grade level. 
• This is determined through an assessment. Assessment and the reading session structure are taught during the VRT training session. 
• SAYL staff and the site director assist VRTs with assessment and selection of students. 

Do I continue to work with the same two students each time I volunteer?

• Yes. VRTs will work with the same students until one or both of the students is reading at his or her grade level.

Where do I go once I reach my site?

• SAYL personnel meet VRTs at their first site visit and any necessary subsequent visits.
• Directions to the site are included in the introduction letter VRTs receive before their first visit.

Do I have to bring books from home?

• No. All reading material is provided for VRTs by SAYL.
• VRTs will find a selection of more than 50 books at each site.

May I bring my own books from home?

• Unfortunately, no. All books in the "Let's Read!" program are pre-leveled according to content and language.
• In addition, books are screened by SAYL staff to ensure that they are appropriate to use in the program. 

May I bring in a treat or reward for my student(s)?

• No. SAYL provides small certificates to give to students when they do an exceptional job.
• VRTs may not bring any other type of reward or gift for the student.

How do I handle discipline problems?

• It's easy - you don't!
  If the child will not cooperate or behave, terminate your lesson and bring the child to the site director. 

What if I have an emergency and cannot make my assigned session?

• Contact the SAYL office and the site director. 
• VRT's can reschedule their session with the site director. 
• Please inform the site director of your campus if you know that you will be away for a length of time, i.e. military duty, business trip, vacation, school event. 

How soon may I begin working with the students?

• When you begin volunteering depends on your site selection.
• We must process a Criminal Background Check.
• SAYL staff works with the sites to process the VRT's paperwork as quickly as possible. 

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

• Our minimum age requirement for volunteers is 17.

Who do I call if I have additional questions?

• Mary Flannigan, Community Development Director, (210) 299-1533.