Parents
Students
Staff
Community
Requirements for Parent Volunteers
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We want to thank you in advance for your interest in volunteering in the Upper Darby School District. Volunteering in a school is an experience and a privilege for both the school and the volunteer and is designed to promote and maintain supportive and positive relationships with the students, teachers, and school staff. The teachers, students, and staff greatly appreciate the time you are willing to share through your volunteer work in our schools. We look forward to the many ways you will add tremendously to the educational experience of the students of Upper Darby School District.
The Board of School Directors values the unique contributions made by parent/guardian and community volunteers to the educational and extracurricular programs of the school district. Accordingly, the Board encourages the use of parent/guardian and community volunteers, subject to certain requirements and procedures as set forth in the Upper Darby School District Volunteers Policy. Please review the policy and administrative regulations therein. Also, view the Volunteer Guidelines for Principals/Athletic Directors/Coaches. Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the School Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions.
STEP 1
To be considered as a volunteer in Upper Darby School District for schools or athletics, you must contact the PRINCIPAL of the school where you wish to volunteer or the COACH of the athletics program for which you wish to volunteer to express interest.
STEP 2
The Principal or Coach provides a copy of the following documents to the potential applicant for review:
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse Awareness packet
- Policy 900 Volunteers
- 916-AR-0 Volunteer Guidelines for Principals/Athletic Directors/Coaches
- 916-AR-1 Non-Staff Volunteer Application
STEP 3
All potential parent volunteers are required to complete the following clearances.
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- Act 34 PA State Police Criminal Background Check – NO COST FOR VOLUNTEERS
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- Act 151 Childline Clearance - Child Abuse Clearance – NO COST FOR VOLUNTEERS
Once on the PA Child Welfare Information Solution website, you must create an account and establish a log-in. After you have established an account, follow the instructions to apply for the child abuse clearance. You will receive a confirmation email upon completion of your application and after payment is made. PLEASE PRINT your child abuse clearance for inclusion in your Volunteer Application Packet.
Print and complete the form.
Once on the website, select the digital fingerprint and enter the code: 1KG6XN. Complete the form electronically.
STEP 4
Prepare your volunteer packet for submission to the Principal/Athletic Coach/Athletic Director. The volunteer packet should include the following:
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- Each of the original of your completed and approved clearances.
- The completed and signed 916-AR-1 Non-Staff Volunteer Application. The application must be signed by the Principal/Athletic Director/Coach where indicated.
STEP 5
The PRINCIPAL or ATHLETICS DIRECTOR forwards the ENTIRE COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET to the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel for review and approval.
STEP 6
The Assistant Superintendent of Personnel reviews the packet. If approved, the 916-AR-1. NON-STAFF VOLUNTEER APPLICANTS form is signed and the packet is interofficed to the Principal or Athletics Director. Expect a 5-7 business day turnaround.
The Principal, Athletic Director, or Coach will notify the volunteer in writing that they have been approved using the 916-AR-2. Non-Staff Volunteer Approval Letter.
STEP 7
The volunteer will remain on the approved volunteer list unless the Office of Human Resources is notified by a Principal, the Athletic Director or a Coach that they should be removed or if their clearances are out of compliance.
STEP 8
The approved volunteer contacts the Communications and Media Services office at bvanhorn@upperdarbysd.org (Bernadette Vanhorne, Secretary to the Director of Communications) to set up a photo ID badge photo session appointment.
The approved volunteer must bring the completed and signed 325-AR-3 Identification Badge Request Form to the appointment. The 325-AR-3 must be signed by the PRINCIPAL or ATHLETICS DIRECTOR. A SIGNATURE FROM AN ATHLETICS COACH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Please DO NOT contact the Communications and Media Services office to set up an appointment until each of the Volunteer application steps has been completed.
STEP 9
Contact your child’s Principal or the Coach to make arrangements to VOLUNTEER! Volunteers are expected to wear the badge at all times while on school grounds.
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY APPLICATION STATUS?
Contact the Principal, Athletic Director, or Coach to follow up on your application status.