Volunteer Instructions and Forms

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has specific requirements that must be followed before volunteers are allowed to be in the presence of students in public school districts. To assist you in completing all requirements for volunteering, please follow the steps below and return all information to the building administrative assistant where you will be volunteering.  Clearances completed within the last five years, may be accepted (unless the individual has a record).  Hover over and click on the underlined form titles below to access and print all forms and instructions for completing criminal background clearances.

1. Arrest Conviction Report and Certification - Complete the Arrest Conviction Report and Certification form and return it to the administrative assistant at the building you will be volunteering in.
2. Photo ID - A photo ID with your current name and address must be presented to the building administrative assistant.
3. Confidentiality Agreement - Read, and be aware of the contents of the Confidentiality Agreement.
4. TB (Tuberculosis) Testing - A TB test is required within 3 months of volunteering.  The form must be completed by a health care provider.
5. Volunteer Verification Form - If you have lived in Pennsylvania within the last 10 years, you must complete this form for exemption from providing an FBI Federal Criminal History Clearance (fingerprinting).
6. Criminal Background Clearance Instructions - All volunteers of public school districts are required to provide the required clearances to the school where they will volunteer in. Follow all instructions provided for each clearance and note specific instructions for "volunteers".  Remember, if you have lived in Pennsylvania for the last ten years, you do not need to complete the FBI Federal Criminal History Clearance, however, the Child Abuse and State Police clearances are still required. (If you remain a volunteer for the district for subsequent, consecutive years, you will be required to update your clearances every five years.)

 

Examples of Volunteer Services That Require Clearances

Volunteer Athletic Coaches

Chaperones for Field Trips

Book Fair Volunteers

Yearbook parent helpers (elementary)

RIF parent helpers

Clerical Helpers/Classroom Helpers

Tutors or One-on-One Help (meeting with students not in a public location)

After-school Tutors (College Students)

Fundraiser Assistance

Picture Day Volunteer

Miscellaneous School Events during the school day-individuals helping with an event/program with students

Dance Chaperones

Foreign Trip Adult Attendees/Chaperones

Band Booster Chaperones

Senior Class Trip Chaperones

Environmental Education Camp Volunteers

Athletic Booster Club Programs/Activities if the volunteer is left alone with students

 

Examples of An Individual Considered To Be A Visitor

Color Day - parents attending to watch students

Cultural Arts Day/Career Day Presenters as long as they are not left alone with students

Parents eating lunch with their children

Concession stand workers as long as they are not left alone with students

Guest readers and guest speakers

 

The above volunteer and visitor examples are not an exhaustive list.