Guidelines for Volunteers (Basic)

Field Trip Volunteer Packet

Regular Volunteer Packet

Definitions and Requirements

Basic Volunteer
Definition: Volunteers who assist with one-time events whose only interaction with the students is in the presence of an administrator or teacher

Requirements: Sign the Guidelines for Volunteers form and return it to the school

Field Trip Volunteers
Definition: Volunteers who accompany students on off-site day trips while under the direct supervision of a school administrator or teacher, and do not fall under the “Regular Volunteer” category.

Requirements:

• Download and complete the forms in the Field Trip Volunteer Packet
  • Return the completed Guidelines for Volunteers and Vehicle Information forms to your school office
• Complete the driving record check through Sterling Volunteers. Follow the instructions on the handout in the packet.

Regular Volunteers
Definition: Volunteers 18 years or older who have direct contact with, or supervision of, children for more than 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year. (e.g. coaches or parents who assist with students on a regular basis) and may not be under the direct supervision of a school administrator or teacher

Requirements:

• Download and complete the forms in the Regular Volunteer Packet
• Return the completed Guidelines for Volunteers and Vehicle Information forms to your school office
• Complete the Blank Volunteer Live Scan Form using the information and codes from the Sample Form. Take the completed form to an authorized Live Scan center and get fingerprinted. The results will be automatically sent to the Northern California Conference.
• Complete the Mandated Reporter Training for Volunteers and return a copy of the completion certificate to Joana@nccsda.com (instructions)

General Guidelines
Volunteers are an essential element of a successful school; schools cannot buy what volunteers give to a school.

Schools are committed at all times to providing a safe environment in which students can grow mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally

Volunteers must be encouraged to respect the confidential nature of anything they see or hear. Concerns should be shared only with the classroom teacher or principal at school. As far as volunteers go, what happens in the classroom, stays in the classroom.

The professional staff of the school is responsible for everything that goes on at school including student instruction, safety and discipline. Volunteers work under the direction and guidance of paid staff, supplementing and supporting the program.

Unless acting as an approved volunteer teacher, volunteers should NOT:

• Discipline students
• Diagnose student needs
• Evaluate achievements
• Counsel students
• Discuss student progress and concerns with parents
• Have access to materials in students’ permanent record files

Because students are the priority, the right to be a volunteer can be rescinded at any time due to behavior that is in conflict with the Guidelines for Volunteers.