Volunteer

Volunteers may be required or requested to have a background review completed depending on what they'll be doing. Background reviews consist of completing a form and visiting a designated office to submit fingerprints for verification. The district then receives reports from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Is there a cost to the volunteer for a background review? 

No. San Juan Unified pays the cost of a background review for all volunteers. 

How do I complete fingerprinting?

Follow steps 1-4 under "Getting Started" tab above:

If background review is needed, schedule fingerprinting with the district’s Human Resource Department at www.sanjuan.edu/fingerprint. (Volunteer Verification application must be completed first.) Monthly evening walk-in clinics are also available throughout the year at various school sites. Explore the Family Education & Engagement events calendar for details.

Who needs a background review? 

Volunteers who work directly with students, *drive/accompany students on field trips or may be left unsupervised with students for any amount of time are required to be fingerprinted as part of a criminal background check and must be cleared as volunteers from the District prior to contact with students. Volunteers are held to the same standards as all district employees. State law restricts involvement of people with convictions for sexual crimes, drug crimes, or serious or violent felonies.

What documents are needed?

A valid photo ID is required for fingerprinting.

*Drivers must be at least 21 years of age, are required to complete an auto usage form, have a valid California Driver's License and appropriate automobile insurance.

Volunteers serving more than 16 hours a month, or 32 hours in a year are also required to complete mandated reporter training.

Early Childhood Education/Preschool sites may require proof of immunization and TB test.

Proof of residency/citizenship is not required. If volunteers decline a background review, certificated supervision will be required for volunteering and field trip opportunities may be restricted.

Confidentiality

Background reports contain highly sensitive information and are treated as such. Specific information contained in the report is limited to the Superintendent's designee in order to designate an appropriate clearance level and is not shared.

Volunteers and visitors are required to follow school procedures and emergency health protocol in accordance with district policy, state and local laws. Volunteers and visitors shall:

• Sign in immediately upon arrival (at the school office or other designated sign-in area) each time you visit a campus
• Wear or show appropriate identification 
• Act in the best personal and educational interest of every child encountered
• Maintain confidentiality outside of the school; do not discuss student issues, concerns, or behaviors with anyone except teachers or school administrators
• If you have concerns about student welfare or safety, discuss those concerns with teachers or the school administrator
• Promptly inform the teacher and school office when you are unable to attend or when you are no longer interested or available to volunteer. 
• Sign out when leaving

San Juan Unified  Board Policy & Regulation: 1240 Volunteer Assistance

The wealth of experience available in the community is a resource that should be used in appropriate ways to enrich the educational program and strengthen our schools’ relationships with the homes, businesses, industries, public agencies, and private institutions of our community. The Governing Board encourages parents/guardians and other members of the community to share their knowledge and abilities with our students.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers should contact the school site or department of interest directly for information regarding volunteer opportunities. A volunteer is an unpaid person who assists under the direct or indirect supervision of a district employee. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Regularly scheduled classroom support including teacher student interns

• Field trip chaperone or *driver (*must be at least 21 years of age)

• After-School program support

Visitors and Observers

Visitors and observers are not considered volunteers, do not need to complete the verification or be fingerprinted. Visitors or observers are parents/guardians and other interested members of the community that are invited to campus on an occasional basis for a specific purpose such as:

• Parent/teacher conferences, class parties

• School-wide events, Open House, student performances, etc.

As we work to empower all in our inclusive learning community to contribute and thrive in a radically evolving world, San Juan Unified values and encourages the assistance of parents, guardians and other members of the community in sharing their special knowledge and abilities as volunteers. 

Professional Standards

All volunteers shall abide by these professional standards:

• Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically while in the performance of their volunteer duties.
• Volunteers shall treat all fellow volunteers, students, family members, campus guests, employees and community members with respect, courtesy and dignity.
• Volunteers shall not discriminate, shall be respectful of each individual’s personal identity and shall honor the district’s nondiscrimination policy.
• Volunteers shall refrain from wearing clothing that displays obscene language or material.
• Volunteers shall not harass, bully, or mistreat others.
• Volunteers shall follow all applicable local, state and federal laws as well as board policies and administrative regulations, while acting on behalf of the district, a school or a program, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace.
• Volunteers shall deter wrongdoing and ensure accountability for adherence to the Code of Conduct.
• Volunteers shall assist and cooperate with all district investigations.
• Volunteers shall report violations or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct. Violations should be reported to the assigned staff partner or volunteer@sanjuan.edu. 
• Volunteers shall seek assistance if they have questions about any volunteer guidelines, including the Code of Conduct. If a staff member or volunteer has any questions or concerns about the Code of Conduct or wishes to file a formal complaint, they may contact volunteer@sanjuan.edu or the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) office at (916) 971-7929. 

Adherence to Policies

San Juan Unified develops policies, procedures and guidelines with input from both staff and volunteers and with consultation from legal, finance and risk management experts; our policies, procedures, and guidelines are updated regularly as new situations emerge. Both volunteers and staff are expected to comply with district policies including but not limited to those described in this document, board policies and administrative regulations. Failure to follow policy requirements may be grounds for disqualification from volunteer service.

Volunteers may be asked to complete paperwork, provide updated information (including proof of insurance), or complete a criminal background check for certain volunteer roles. Failure to complete these requirements may disqualify a volunteer from serving in a particular role. If appropriate based on the circumstances, volunteers who are disqualified for a volunteer role may have the option to explore other volunteer opportunities with their staff partner or the Volunteer Support Team.

Honoring Time

Volunteers, staff, students and families each dedicate time to activities of our schools and programs and each are expected to honor the time and commitment of others by meeting when agreed upon, arriving for meetings and events on time and staying on task. 

Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco use

Volunteers, staff, students and families each dedicate time to activities of our schools and programs and each are expected to honor the time and commitment of others by meeting when agreed upon, arriving for meetings and events on time and staying on task. 

Confidentiality 

During the course of their duties, volunteers may have access to, deal with, or become aware of confidential student information. This information must be kept strictly confidential. Any breach of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action up to and including the termination of volunteer services.

Disqualification and/or removal

San Juan Unified is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both students, families, staff, community members and volunteers. Volunteers who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to disqualification from volunteer service. 

A self-help project is a community-driven project that improves school grounds or contributes in some other way to the school environment.

If you are interested in completing a self-help project, please see the principal or site administrator for additional information regarding the district's self-help application process. 

VolunteerFlier.pdf

23-24FingerprintClinicFlier_1.pdf

VolunteerInfoSheet.pdf

For more information, or support please contact the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department

916-971-7935

volunteer@sanjuan.edu