Welcome to ACM Groupsite - ACM's Online Community!
ACM Groupsite is the Association of Children's Museums' central hub online. It's a space where children's museum staff, stakeholders, and partners can view upcoming events from ACM, network with other children's museum professionals, and ask for advice, share ideas, and access resources on our discussion boards.
The ACM Member Resource Community and Hand to Hand Community are benefits for ACM members. If you are interested in joining ACM, contact Membership@ChildrensMuseums.org.
MOST RECENT POSTS
1
1 view
0 replies
1
4
45 views
4 replies
8
77 views
7 replies
2
50 views
2 replies
2
28 views
2 replies
2
43 views
1 reply
5
176 views
7 replies
11
84 views
11 replies
5
141 views
4 replies
FILE CABINET
COMMUNITIES
No non-private communities to display.
RECENT ACTIVITY
Mayra Colmenarez posted a new Topic
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Volunteers and Background checks
Hi all,
I’m looking for best practices regarding adult volunteers in children’s museums. I’d love to hear how other museums handle volunteer screening and safety procedures.
Do you require volunteers to be fingerprinted or complete background checks? If so, does this apply to all volunteers or only those working directly with children or in unsupervised settings?
Any insight, recommendations, or examples of policies would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I’m looking for best practices regarding adult volunteers in children’s museums. I’d love to hear how other museums handle volunteer screening and safety procedures.
Do you require volunteers to be fingerprinted or complete background checks? If so, does this apply to all volunteers or only those working directly with children or in unsupervised settings?
Any insight, recommendations, or examples of policies would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Susan Heilman posted a reply on Re: Sensory Backpacks - What actually gets used?
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Said: We do not use sensory bags but have our headphones (6-8 pairs), sunglasses, sensory maps and storyguides always on display and available behind our admissions desk (where our guest cubbies are). There is a sign there saying to ask...
Susan Heilman posted a reply on Re: What’s Working in Your Calming Space or Sen...
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Said: Greetings, I'm at the Discovery Museum in Acton, MA, and for special events we have what we call a "Take a Break" Space. Unfortunately, we don't have the space for a permanent spot for this, but during our special events for guest...
Jeanette Nelson posted a new Topic
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 2:42 PM
What’s Working in Your Calming Space or Sensory Rooms?
At Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, we are hoping to make some really intentional and impactful improvements to our Calming Room space, and we would love to learn from others who have created similar environments.
Some challenges we’ve run into in the past include:
Some challenges we’ve run into in the past include:
- Keeping supplies/items consistently stocked
- Finding materials and furnishings that are durable enough for heavy daily use
- Items breaking or wearing out quickly over time
We w...
Catherine McCarthy posted a new Topic
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Free NISE Network Online Workshops: Library Collaborations (May 19) and America at 250 - Just in time resources (June 9)
Free NISE Network Online Workshops: Library Collaborations (May 19) and America at 250 - Just in time resources (June 9)
Upcoming free professional learning one-hour online workshops:
Library Collaborations to Engage Local Public Audiences
Libraries are wonderful venues for reaching new audiences, as they are community hubs that are free and open to all. During this online workshop we will learn all about the Space Science...
Add New Module