Michelle Eid, a third-year forensic science student, engages with children during her volunteer placement at Connections Early Years Family Centre through the University of Windsor’s VIP Community Service Learning Program, gaining hands-on experience while supporting local families. (VICTOR ROMAO/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
A volunteer placement through the University of Windsor’s VIP Community Service Learning Program is giving a student practical experience while helping support children and families at Connections Early Years Family Centre or other community organizations.
Michelle Eid, a third-year forensic science student with plans to pursue dentistry, spent the winter semester volunteering in the EarlyON Child and Family Centre program, working alongside educators and families of children aged six and under.
Eid said the placement appealed to her because it offered meaningful community engagement while strengthening professional skills.
“I was drawn to the VIP Program because it provided a great opportunity to gain practical experience outside the classroom while also developing communication and interpersonal skills in a community setting,” she said.
Connections Early Years Family Centre is a non-profit organization that provides integrated early learning, family support and intervention services for families in Windsor-Essex County. Its EarlyON Child and Family Centre program offers free programming where parents, caregivers and children can play, learn and connect with early years professionals.
During her placement, Eid supported daily programming by assisting staff with general organization and engaging directly with children during activities. She also interacted with families, helping create a welcoming environment.
“My most meaningful contribution was building a connection with the children I worked with,” said Eid. “Seeing their confidence grow over time really showed how important patience and positive engagement are.”
Amy Taylor, an early childhood educator at Connections, said Eid’s presence had a noticeable impact on both children and families attending the centre.
“Michelle has supported the EarlyON programming by always sharing her warm, kind and thoughtful mannerisms when interacting with the children,” said Taylor. “She has also shown a very professional manner when interacting with families.”
According to Connections EarlyON program manager and volunteer co-ordinator Kathleen Parker (BSW ’93), VIP students play an important role in enhancing programming by acting as “Partners in Play.”
“In a very large play space with young children of various ages, having volunteers to engage with children and help facilitate interactions enhances the experience for both the child and the parent,” said Parker.
Because volunteers attend regularly, Parker said children are able to build comfort with new people — a key developmental skill as they prepare for childcare or school.
Parker said Eid stood out for her energy, adaptability and willingness to respond to children’s needs.
“Michelle brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to her placement and moves effortlessly through a session always looking to be helpful,” said Parker. “By being responsive to children and following their lead, Michelle contributes positively to the child’s experience, the parent’s experience and to our program overall.”
Eid said the placement strengthened skills she expects to use in her future career in health care, including communication, adaptability and professionalism.
“Interacting with families reinforced the importance of clear communication and building trust,” she said. “Those are skills that will be essential in dentistry and any health-care setting.”
The experience also helped confirm Eid’s career goals.
“This placement highlighted the importance of making people feel comfortable and supported,” she said.
Eid said she would recommend the VIP Program to other students seeking practical experience in the community.
“It provides hands-on learning while giving you an opportunity to contribute meaningfully,” she said.
For Connections, the partnership benefits both students and families.
“We are all investing in the future wellbeing of our community when we support the learning of students and the children who attend our centre,” said Parker.
If you are looking to connect volunteer with real-world impact and development yourself professionally, the VIP program is a great place to start. Learn about it here and get involved.