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.
- 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.
- Photo ID - A photo ID with your current name and address must be presented to the building administrative assistant.
- Confidentiality Agreement - Read, and be aware of the contents of the Confidentiality Agreement.
- TB (Tuberculosis) Testing - A TB test is required within 3 months of volunteering. The form must be completed by a health care provider.
- 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).
- 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.