Screening Requirements for volunteers that work directly with students

Classroom Volunteers

Volunteers are needed in pre-school through high school in all subjects.  Classroom volunteers must commit to a regular schedule, generally working at least two hours per week.  Volunteers are assigned to one classroom under the supervision of a credentialed teacher.  Duties include one-on-one tutoring, small group assistance, and special projects.

Volunteers are utilized as mentors, tutors, coaches, classroom aides, and recreation volunteers.

Lunch Buddy Volunteers

Volunteers come and spend lunch at a school site with a student.

Literacy Pals

Even if you can’t make it to school during school hours, volunteers can help in this “pen pal” program.  Volunteers and middle school students exchange monthly letters about books in this teacher-initiated program that encourages reading, develops letter writing skills, and links students with caring adults.

Student Teachers

To complete their training as teachers, university students are required to complete a classroom internship experience of significant duration requiring direct work with students.

Field Trip Drivers and Chaperones

Parents and other community members can be of help to their child’s schools by helping transport students and serving as chaperones on field trips and special outings.  Field trip chaperones are considered to be volunteers with direct contact with students.

Facilities Volunteers

Some volunteers may help with clean-up or construction projects at school sites, with at least part of their work involving direct work with students.

Volunteers for Annual one day reading events

Reading Celebration Days, Read across America Celebration Day, Dr. Seuss

Special Education Volunteers

Volunteers can provide valuable help to students facing a variety of challenges ranging from physical impairments to learning disabilities.  Volunteers work in both traditional and designated classrooms, assisting students with academics, socializing, and specially tailored activities.

After-School Volunteers: Tutoring and Extended Day Programs

Volunteers help students after school, assisting in completion of homework assignments and providing extra help in reading or math.  Volunteers also provide supervision to after-school recreation activities in elementary schools.  Help is needed between 1:30 and 6:00 p.m., one or more days a week.

Library Volunteers

Volunteers assist library staff with overall library operation and maintenance as well as providing assistance to students using the library.

School Gardening Volunteers

Volunteers work alongside students to help maintain the gardens, and can also help teachers turn the experience into valuable lessons in science and environmental education. 

Summer School Volunteers

Volunteers can help as tutors and program assistants during annual summer school programs.

Other examples include:  Classroom helper, reading to children, sharing a hobby or career information, yard/cafeteria supervision, library assistance, babysitting during on-site events.

Facilities Volunteers

Some volunteers may help with clean-up or construction projects at school sites, without working directly with students.

Special Event Volunteers

Some parents and community volunteers help schools put on events.  In some cases, the work is primarily done out of the volunteer’s home, at other times, it may be performed at the school site.  This work is typically of short duration, just on a one-time basis.

Other examples include: serving on School Site Council or Bilingual Advisory Committee, assisting the school’s Parent Teacher organization, coordinating a classroom Phone Tree, serving as a Room Parent, photographing events, assisting with fundraising, coordinating volunteers, translating/interpreting for parents, doing at-home work for the classroom, preparing/cooking food for class.