Click for Google map for directions to 3195 Woodside Rd., Woodside, CA 94062
|
Click to call 650.851.1571
Volunteer Requirements/Information
At a public California school, the exact requirements for volunteers depend on their level of student contact and frequency, but recent laws like Senate Bill 848 and Assembly Bill 506 have introduced strict statewide standards.
- Mandated Reporter Status & Training: Under SB 848 (effective July 1, 2026), qualifying school volunteers who work with students are designated as mandated reporters and must complete annual Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training and abuse prevention training.
- Background Checks (Live Scan): Depending on district policy and whether a volunteer has unsupervised or frequent contact with students, a California Department of Justice (Live Scan) fingerprint background check is commonly required.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance: Volunteers who have frequent, prolonged contact with students or serve regularly on campus must provide current TB risk assessment or test clearance.
- General Campus Rules: All campus volunteers and visitors must sign in at the main office, wear an assigned identification badge while on site, and sign out upon leaving.
The Woodside Elementary School District (WESD) recognizes and appreciates that 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. We encourage parents/guardians and other community members to share their time, knowledge, and abilities with students.
In compliance with California Education Code Section 35021 and Board Policy 1240, the Board requires school volunteers to be screened and authorized to volunteer. 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) fingerprint submission and complete a Mandated Reporter Training (SB848) prior to volunteering. Also, volunteers who will have frequent or prolonged contact with students must also have tuberculosis (TB) tested and cleared. These requirements are in place, given an abundance of caution for student safety and well-being.
Individuals are not allowed to begin a volunteer school assignment until the following steps are completed:
School principals have the discretion to determine which volunteers must be fingerprinted for a DOJ background check based on the type of volunteerism. The table below highlights some common examples.
School principals have the discretion to determine which volunteers must be fingerprinted for a DOJ background check based on the type of volunteerism. The table below highlights some common examples.
REQUIRED
Mandated Reporter Training, TB Clearance, Volunteer Application, and Fingerprinting/DOJ Background Check
are Required *
Mandated Reporter Training, TB Clearance, Volunteer Application, and Fingerprinting/DOJ Background Check
are Required *
- Regularly volunteers in contact with students
- Could be outside the presence of a certificated staff member (teacher or administrator), even briefly
- Drivers and/or chaperones for field trips, including after-school sports. (Note: A valid CA Driver's License and proof of insurance coverage are also required. These additional forms can be accessed in the school front office)
- Coaches or assists with special events, including dances, sports competitions, drama, and musical productions
If your volunteer activity falls under "Required" above, please continue to step 2
NOT REQURED
Fingerprinting/DOJ Background Check, Mandated Reporter Training, and TB Not Required.
No Application Needed
Fingerprinting/DOJ Background Check, Mandated Reporter Training, and TB Not Required.
No Application Needed
- Visits the office for the purpose of conducting business there. (e.g., Assisting teacher(s) with picture day, organizing curriculum packets, making copies, etc.)
- Short-term, non-recurring volunteers of 8 hours or less during the school year under the immediate supervision and direction of certificated personnel of the district
- Volunteer supervisors for breakfast, lunch, or other nutritional periods pursuant to California Education Code Sections 44814 and 44815, and nonteaching volunteers, as defined in Education Code Section 35021, under the immediate supervision and direction of certificated personnel of the district, shall not be required to be fingerprinted
- Attends school events at which parents are expected to supervise their own children (e.g., Walk-A-Thon, Family Math Night, or Ice Cream Social)
- Attends a guardian/parent-staff conference
- Presents at a “Career Exploration Day” once during the school year
- Attends a musical, drama production, athletic performance, awards night, academic or art event as a member of the audience, etc.