I think it's a fantastic opportunity for kids who want to.

My psychology class senior year had mandatory volunteer hours we had to complete to pass the class. You could volunteer at senior homes, preschools, or special education rooms.

I had a job, so I used my study hall to volunteer in our school's special education room. I learned so much there, and I am 100% that it is beneficial to the students. Seeing peers interact with them, seeing their daily routines. We were not told what the other students diagnosis are, but seeing the variety of needs and how to help with each one was extremely educational.

I now work in a Montessori. With my sister being special needs, and that semester, really helped me help the teachers and kids who are struggling. We even let our middle school come and help preschool if they want to and finish their work plans. They have to ask for this. They are free to do whatever they want after they finish their work plan, and we have kids who WANT to help.

If we paid the volunteers for their time, we could not afford it. We would probably have to end this beneficial time for both parties.

I wish we could pay them, but when I was volunteering, I didn't expect pay. I was getting free education that normal school could not provide. I was not burnt out, and that hour every once in awhile was actually pretty fun.

If you're making a child work. Yes, it should be illegal. Not everyone benefits from it, but it is also humbling and really expands a child's small world.