Once community partners commit to supporting Young at Heart, they recruit volunteers over age 55 and match them with child care centers in need of help. Opening in 1997, the Corpus Christi Young at Heart program now has 38 active elder volunteers in 10 child care facilities. Community partners formed a steering committee that includes business leaders, law officers, community college faculty, and staff from senior centers and child care programs. The committee ensures that seniors and child care staff feel prepared to work together with young children. Training consists of an orientation meeting, a 2-hour session on children s activities and expectations, and an enrichment training that takes place 4 to 5 months after volunteers start.
Program evaluation occurs through surveys of day care staff, parents, and volunteers.
Child care centers enter into formal agreements with the local Young at Heart partners to clarify their roles and responsibilities. It provides in-kind support and materials, and has sponsored statewide conferences. Resources Young at Heart is a partnership built on volunteer collaborations. There are 12 Young at Heart programs located across the state of Texas in all types of communities urban areas as well as mid-sized, suburban communities. Though this evaluation will not focus solely on the Young at Heart initiative, it will provide information on the impact of the relationships between children and seniors.