Volunteer Guidelines
Volunteer assistance in schools can significantly enrich the educational program, increase supervision of students, contribute to school safety, and strengthen a school’s relationship with the community. In compliance with California Education Code 35021 and Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 1240, school volunteers are required to be screened and authorized to volunteer. These code and policy requirements are in place in an abundance of caution for student safety and well-being. Volunteers in the PVSD must complete the following requirements:
1. Volunteer Form: All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Information Agreement and Registration Form annually.
2. Background Check: Volunteers who may be in contact with students outside the presence of certificated staff (however briefly) must arrange for a California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint submission (Live Scan) prior to volunteering, and only needs to be completed once. Be advised that this process can take up to 2 weeks, or longer, to complete.
3. TB Screening of Volunteers: All volunteers who will have “frequent or prolonged contact with students” are required to be TB risk-assessed which is signed by a U.S. physician, or healthcare provider using the CA Adult Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Questionnaire, or by providing a negative TB test result—completed within the past 60 days. Negative TB test results (either PPD or x-ray) remain in effect for four years. (Free tuberculosis testing and verification notices are available at all public and some private medical clinics.)
4. COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination: CDPH requires volunteers who will have “frequent or prolonged contact with students” to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) [at least 2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of J&J]. Proof of boosters is not required at this time. Volunteers who are not vaccinated, or do not want to submit proof of vaccination may test the day of volunteering IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE. We request you bring a rapid-antigen test with you. If you do not have a test, one will be provided.
5. “Sexual Misconduct in Schools” and “Mandated Reporter” online trainings and Review of “Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse in Schools” PVSD Administrative Regulation 5141.41: Volunteers whose duties involve direct contact with, and supervision of children are strongly encouraged by the District to complete these two trainings. Volunteers must read the District’s Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse in Schools AR and sign that they have read and understand the policies on the Volunteer Form.
Thank you for your generosity of time and service to PVSD students and staff!
PVSD Volunteer Procedures 8/18/2022
Steps to Become a Volunteer At School
Step 1: Use this chart to determine your level of volunteer activity:
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Volunteers - frequent or prolonged contact with students |
Visitors |
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COVID Vacc, LiveScan AND TB assessment REQUIRED* |
COVID Vacc, LiveScan, TB assessment NOT REQUIRED |
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Any volunteer assignment involving contact with students and/or staff on a regular basis for 30 minutes or more. Examples of what may be considered “frequent or prolonged contact with pupils” include, but are not limited to, regularly-scheduled classroom volunteering and field trips where cumulative face-to-face time with students exceeds 8 hours. |
When attending a musical, drama production, athletic, academic or art event as a member of the audience. |
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On-site school volunteer assignments, supervision of students during school shows or rehearsals, classroom centers, room parent, math/art docent, teacher helper, library helper. |
When presenting a “Career Day” (or any presentation) lecture with a certificated staff member (teacher or administrator) present. |
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Chaperoning Field Trip(s). |
When attending school events at which parents are expected to supervise their own children. |
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Assisting with special events, including dances, school competitions, drama and musical productions, working at school book fair. |
When visiting the office for the purpose of conducting business there. |
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Providing breakfast/ lunchtime assistance or eating lunch on campus with children on a regular basis for 30 minutes or more. Providing recess/lunch time supervision on a regular basis for 30 minutes or more. |
When attending a parent-staff conference and/or IEP meeting. |
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Volunteering in a classroom working directly with students weekly and/or on a regular basis. |
Volunteering on a monthly or limited basis. |
*Note: The above chart is a guide applicable to most, but not every circumstance.
Steps 2 , 3, and 4 apply to VOLUNTEERS only
Step 2: Submit the following three documents to your school office:
1. “Volunteer Information Agreement and Authorization” form. That form must be completed each school year.
2. An “Adult Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Questionnaire” (or TB test result) signed by a U.S. physician or healthcare provider. (Check with your school office should you have a question about your need to complete the TB questionnaire.) The TB risk assessment must be renewed every 4 years.
3. Copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card showing completion of dose(s), as per CalOSHA.
Step 3: Complete the Live Scan Background Check (Check with your school office should you have a question about your need to be fingerprinted.)
• LiveScan only needs to be completed once for the PVSD. (Check with your school office to see if you do not recall, or are not sure about your status.)
• If LiveScan is necessary, the school office will provide the Request for Live Scan Service form, and DOJ/FBI Privacy Notices.
• Take this form and your valid domestic driver license (or other government issued. identification document) to a LiveScan service provider location: (LiveScan Service Locator).
• Complete the section titled ‘Applicant Information’.
• Notify the school office once LiveScan service is completed. The district office will notify the school office once background check clearance is received.
• The LiveScan only needs to be completed once.
Step 4: Complete “Sexual Misconduct in Schools” and “Mandated Reporter” online trainings (strongly encouraged) and Review “Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse in Schools” PVSD Administrative Regulation 5141.41 (signature required on Volunteer Form)
School districts are required to provide annual training to their employees, and other persons working on their behalf, who are mandated reporters. The PVSD uses an online training module, which covers prevention of adult sexual misconduct, child abuse and neglect, and mandated reporting information. Volunteers whose duties involve direct contact with, and supervision of, children are strongly encouraged by the District to obtain these two trainings. These two half-hour online training sessions are free. If you are interested in completing these two online trainings, please contact Karen Lucian at klucian@pvsd.net (email is best)
, and she will set up an account for you.
Volunteers must read the District’s “Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse in Schools” AR and sign that they have read and understand the policies.
As in the past, for your safety, all volunteers and visitors are required to sign in at the office before entering the campus and receive a badge, and sign out when leaving the school.