Cuddle Care Program San Diego

We partner with patients, family and team members through Patient and Family Advisory Councils to improve the experience for everyone and enhance quality and safety outcomes.

Volunteer

We encourage you to become a volunteer at UC San Diego Health. Our volunteers play an integral role in assisting our staff in their activities of patient care, education and research.

Many of our volunteers say their experiences at UC San Diego Health have been highly rewarding and personally fulfilling, and sometimes, life-changing.

Apply to Volunteer at UC San Diego Health

If you are considering applying to be a UC San Diego Health volunteer, you will need to:

Be at least age 16 and older
Be available to start immediately
Commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service over a six- to seven-month period

Become a Volunteer

Experience is not required; just bring your enthusiasm.

Volunteering FAQs

What opportunities are available for volunteers?

Volunteers support medical personnel and other staff to help make our patients’ stay more comfortable. This may include helping staff with patients, transporting and escorting patients in wheelchairs, and running errands to the pharmacy, labs and other areas.

Other roles include administrative support, greeting patients and families, providing emotional or spiritual support to patients and families, cuddling newborns and more.

Are there any applicants you are not able to accept?

We are not able to accept court-ordered service applications.

How are volunteers selected?

Applications are screened individually and require two professional/educational reference responses that are not from friends or family members. Volunteers are not selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

Specifically, we would like to know your availability, your motivation for volunteering, the qualities you have that you think will enhance our program, and the areas of UC San Diego Health that interest you.

Are there any medical requirements for volunteering?

Yes, there are several medical requirements.

You will be required to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox). This can be done by submitting proof of two immunizations for each of these diseases or a blood titer report from a lab that shows immunity.
Clearance for tuberculosis (TB) is also required, but if you are accepted into the program, UC San Diego Health will provide that screening.
You must submit proof of getting the COVID-19 vaccine (full series) and booster shot. You’re considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a two-dose Moderna or Pfizer series or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine. If you’re not yet eligible for the booster due to the timing of the original vaccine (s), you must get a booster shot within 30 days of eligibility for our volunteer program.

Where are volunteers placed?

Volunteers may be placed at our hospitals in La Jolla or Hillcrest, or at one of clinics in San Diego County.

Can I shadow physicians and other care providers as a volunteer?

Shadowing is not part of our volunteer program.

May I volunteer if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Certain visa classifications may not be eligible for participation in the volunteer program because of government restrictions. Contact Volunteer Services at [email protected] for more information.

Is volunteering a good inroad to getting a job with UC San Diego Health?

There is no link between Human Resources and Volunteer Services, so if you are interested in jobs at UC San Diego Health, check the employment website.

Donations to Help Patients at UC San Diego Health

Many service groups, youth groups, churches and individuals in the community have requested ways to assist our patients from home. We appreciate this thoughtfulness and graciously accept donations of these items.

Coloring books and colored pencils for adults
Individual activities/crafts for adults (small items)
Journals (blank)
Magazines published in the last six months (unused)
Phone chargers
Reading glasses (new)

Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 619-543-6370.

How to Help in Other Ways

Your generosity can help patient care and transform the future of health — both in your community and beyond.

Join a Patient and Family Advisory Council

UC San Diego Health is committed to people-centered care.

We partner with patients, family and team members through Patient and Family Advisory Councils to improve the experience for everyone and enhance quality and safety outcomes.

Hi and thanks for visiting!

There are many options w h en looking for the right childcare home for your little one . The goal of this website is to give you a look into our program, and also to help you learn about childcare options and resources in general.

I hope you find the information on this site useful and best of luck in your search to find the right place for your little one. ♥

I look forward to speaking with you soon!!

M egan Hanshew
619-474-0813
megan@cuddlesac a demy.com

Ready to Enroll? Connect with us by filling out our Enrollment Inquiry Form today!

About us :

Cuddles Academy Childcare began as a State Licensed and Navy CDH (Child Development Home) Certified Childcare in May 2004. Additionally, in 2007 we obtained National Accreditation through NAFCC (National Association of Family Child Care). This certifies that our child care meets top standards set in all areas such as health, safety, environment, and learning.

In 2013 we obtained CDA (Child Development Associates) Certification. This is recognized as one of the highest levels of care that a childcare home can obtain. In addition to the criteria for National Accreditation, Child Development Associates Certification also reviews our business practices verifying that we will meet the needs of your entire family.

Licensing and Certifications :

* CA Child C are License #376621730
* Child Development Associates (CDA) Certified
* MCCYN ( Child Care Aware) Prefered Provider
* Certified Navy CDH Provider (inactive 10/17)
* CDA Payment Assistance Program Approved

Please explore this site to learn about our Childcare.

Why Cuddles Academy Childcare stands out :

At Cuddles Academy Childcare we focus on the developmental goals of each child individually and work to form continuity between your home and our child care. This consistency helps children to know what to expect and helps them to feel safe in exploring and expressing themselves.

Additionally, as your child joins our child care family, we will help them to develop self-help skills. Every time a child is present in the moment and participating in a skill they are internalizing and making new connections to the world around them. These skills will promote independence, confidence, muscle growth, coordination, and lay the foundation for all your child will accomplish thoughout their school years.

Our Mission

Cuddles Academy Childcare is committed to providing the community with a happy and safe place where children can thrive and grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Our Vision

Cuddles Acade my Childcare is a place for children to grow both individually and as part of a community. With 20 years of childcare experience, parents can feel confident knowing their child is being cared for in a loving and supportive environ-ment that is committed to helping their child build self-help skills while focusing on social-emotional development.