Parent Volunteer
We are grateful for the many volunteers who support our school each year!
If you are a current volunteer or hoping to become one, please be aware that we have updated our volunteer background screening policy in our effort to strengthen student safety and be in alignment with state law.
What has changed?Previously, all volunteers underwent a Level I background screening. As an update, some volunteer roles now require a more comprehensive Level II background screening which includes a fee of $76 (subject to change).
The Level II screening applies to volunteers who supervises students -- such as field trip chaperones -- and may not always be in direct view of district staff.
The Level II screening does not apply to volunteers who are always under the direct supervision of district staff and are never alone with students. Examples include classroom helper or event volunteer.
What do you need to do?● Level I volunteers will present their government issued ID to the front office staff at the time of the event for which they are volunteering. The office staff will run a Level I background check at that time.
● Volunteers requiring a Level II screening must fill out the Level II Volunteer Form. Once the information is received and processed, the volunteer will receive an email with directions for scheduling a fingerprinting appointment. Payment of $76 (subject to change) will be collected at the time of scheduling.
PLEASE NOTE: Level II screenings can take several weeks to process. If you intend to chaperone on a field trip at any point during the school year, please complete the Level II volunteer process as early as possible to ensure your screening is processed in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it determined what type of screening is needed?
Level I volunteers will always be in the direct view of school employees and are never alone with students. Level I volunteers undergo our standard Level I screening procedures, which includes being checked against the Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Public Website.
Level II volunteers may work directly with groups of children and may or may not be outside of the direct line of sight of school employees. This group of volunteers most commonly includes chaperones for field trips and events. By requiring these volunteers to undergo a Level II background check, they’ll be screened for felonies and criminal violations, in addition to being checked against the Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Public Website.If a volunteer has already been approved through a Level I screening, is it required for the same volunteer to have a Level II screening?
If the volunteer will be chaperoning a field trip or working with students outside of the direct view of school employees, yes, the volunteer will need to have a Level II clearance.
Where can I go to have a Level II screening completed?
Volunteers can select a FieldPrint location that is most convenient for them. Once the volunteer registers to be fingerprinted, a list of locations will be provided for selection. Please note, volunteers must fill out the volunteer form linked above before scheduling a fingerprinting appointment.
If I am a current DCPS employee, do I need to complete a volunteer application?
Active DCPS Employees DO NOT need to complete a volunteer application.
Is the Level II volunteer background fee refundable?
No, the Level II fee is non-refundable.
How long are Level II screenings valid for?
Level II screenings are valid for 5 years.
Am I allowed to bring my other child along to chaperone on my child’s field trip?
No, only designated students, authorized employees, and authorized chaperones may attend a field trip.