A variety of people – paid and unpaid – support our intergenerational program. The school supplies a “Community Link” worker who is paid to attend. The facility provides the most assistance: the site manager, health care worker, and cook all fully engage. A student from the “Alternate School” started to attend as part of her work experience; this provided her with high school credits. A number of parents volunteer with varying degrees of commitment.

One thing that was noted was residents do not like it when the teacher is absent. Replacement teachers do not have the same relationship and prior knowledge. It seems – like the children – the elderly do not like change. When possible, I try not to be absent on the days we visit.

Your thoughts…