Be a Part of Something Extraordinary.

More than 1 million new neural connections are formed every second in the early years of life. Early emotional experiences set the foundation for later academic performance, mental health, and social relationships. With your help, we can make the most of these years. Join us in creating bright starts for our community’s children.

COVID-19 Update: We are currently hosting in-person volunteers if they are fully vaccinated.

How You Can Help

We work with individuals, families, student groups, church groups, and businesses to design volunteer projects suitable to their interests. All volunteers must be at least sixteen years of age; volunteers must be at least eighteen to work directly with children.

Volunteering typically takes place during our normal operating hours, Monday-Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. We may be able to accommodate groups outside of these normal operating hours upon request.

Individual Volunteer Positions

Office Assistant

Assist our administrative team with general office duties or work on a special project that matches your skills and interests.

Kitchen Support

Work with our nutrition specialist and chef to help prepare nutritious meals for our students.

Special Event Aide

Assist our development team with the planning, design, and/or hosting of a fundraising event.

Babies & Tots Helper

Assist in our infant and toddler classrooms holding, rocking, feeding, talking, reading, and singing to our youngest students.

Preschool Tutor

Work with preschool children one-on-one or in small groups to develop skills through read alouds and teacher-directed activities.

Special Interest

Do you have a special talent? Are you a musician or knowledgeable gardener? We would love for you to share your expertise with our students, families, and/or staff.

Group Opportunities

CELC staff will work individually with every volunteer group to ensure that we match your talents and interests to a meaningful project. Ways in which groups have offered their talents in the past include:

  • Working with students one-on-one to improve literacy skills
  • Planting flowers and plants around the center
  • Planning events for our families and staff
  • Working in our community garden
  • Painting or cleaning our centers

If you are interested in volunteering as a group please contact Celeste Padula via email at cpadula@columbusearlylearning.org. If interested in volunteering as an individual please complete the form below.

We are always open to your ideas about how to best utilize your talents as a volunteer!

Individual Volunteer Interest Form

Meet the Needs of our Community.

Only 40% of Franklin County 5-year-olds are prepared for school upon kindergarten entry. 100% of CELC graduates are. Your generosity supports a bright future for Columbus.