From assisting with school administration to helping with school clean up, volunteers are the backbone of our school communities. Yet, navigating the path to becoming one can be overwhelming for many. In this month’s FAQs article, we’ll delve into the volunteer process and offer guidance on how to take the first steps.

Before beginning on the volunteer process, it’s important to talk with the school administration and staff to find out what volunteer opportunities are available. Once it’s confirmed that volunteers are needed, the first step is to complete the Volunteer Packet. This packet includes essential documents that ensure you’re eligible to volunteer at your child’s school. The Volunteer Packet consists of:

• Volunteer Code of Conduct Agreement
• Child Abuse History Clearance
• PA State Criminal Background Check
• FBI Background Check OR Signed Volunteer Affirmation Sheet
• Certificate of Volunteer Orientation Completion

These documents can be accessed on the Volunteer Support webpage, which provides the necessary links for clearance completion. Once you’ve filled out the packet, just submit it to the school administration for approval.

It is important to clarify that the Volunteer Packet is specifically required for those who want to volunteer in unpaid positions within the school or programs focused on student welfare. If you’re just visiting the school for events or activities and not providing any services, you don’t need to worry about this paperwork.

Once you’re approved, the school staff will get in touch with you about different volunteer opportunities available, such as helping out in the library, participating in school clean-up efforts, and other school-based activities. A new Volunteer Packet isn’t necessary at the start of each school year but it is important to stay up-to-date with your clearances to ensure they are valid and current. Each item in the Volunteer Packet is good for five (5) years from the date they were each issued.

Volunteers are the heart of our schools, and we encourage everyone to get involved in their child’s school community. If you need any help completing your paperwork or confirming the status of your clearances, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s Family Engagement Liaison, call our volunteer line at 215-400-4180 (press #6), or visit philasd.org/face/volunteer. Let’s continue to build strong school communities together