Thank you in advance for your interest in volunteering with the Upper Darby School District. Volunteering in a school is both a rewarding experience and a privilege, benefiting both the school and the volunteer. Our volunteer program aims to foster positive, supportive relationships between students, teachers, and school staff. The students truly value the time you dedicate to helping in our schools. We look forward to the many ways you will enhance the educational experience for the students of Upper Darby School District.

The Board of School Directors appreciates the valuable contributions that parent/guardian volunteers make to both the educational and extracurricular programs of the district. As such, the Board encourages the involvement of parent/guardian volunteers, in accordance with the requirements and procedures outlined in the Upper Darby School District Volunteers Policy. We kindly ask that you review the policy and the related administrative regulations. Additionally, please refer to the Volunteer Guidelines for Principals/Athletic Directors/Coaches.

916-AR-0. VOLUNTEERS

916-AR-1. NON-STAFF VOLUNTEER APPLICANTS

916-AR-2. NON-STAFF VOLUNTEER APPROVAL LETTER

For volunteers, the state of Pennsylvania has waived the cost of the state criminal check as well as the child abuse check. The cost of the FBI clearance is $28.75 and the volunteer is responsible for that expense.

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.

The Principal or Coach provides a copy of the following documents to the potential applicant for review:

1. Pennsylvania Child Abuse Awareness packet
2. Policy 900 Volunteers
3. 916-AR-0 Volunteer Guidelines for Principals/Athletic Directors/Coaches
4. 916-AR-1 Non-Staff Volunteer Application

All potential parent volunteers are required to complete the following clearances.

• Act 34 PA State Police Criminal Background Check — NO COST FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Act 151 Childline Clearance - Child Abuse Clearance — NO COST FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Act 114 FBI Criminal Clearance – Fingerprinting — $24.20 FOR VOLUNTEERS

Once on the website, select the digital fingerprint and enter the code: 1KG6XN. Complete the form electronically.

For more information about the Act 114 FBI Criminal Clearance form, click here.

• Act 82(2012)/24 (2011) Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification (PDF)

Prepare your volunteer packet for submission to the Principal/Athletic Coach/Athletic Director. The volunteer packet should include the following:

• 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.

The PRINCIPAL or ATHLETICS DIRECTOR forwards the ENTIRE COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET to the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel for review and approval.

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.

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.

The approved volunteer contacts the Communications and Media Services office at bvanhorn@upperdarbysd.org (Bernadette Vanhorn, 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.

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.

Contact the Principal, Athletic Director, or Coach to follow up on your application status.

Clearances are required for an unpaid volunteer at a minimum of every 60 months from the date of the oldest clearance. However, parents will need to update their Volunteer Photo ID badge with the school district every school year. 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.

Visit the IdentoGO for a list of local fingerprinting services:

https://www.identogo.com/locations

Join us at our helpful and informative Annual Fall and Spring Districtwide Parent Volunteer Summits where we’ll guide you step-by-step through the volunteer application process! Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or just need assistance with the paperwork, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. Our experienced team will be on hand to walk you through each section of the application, answer any questions, and ensure all required documents are completed correctly. This workshop is designed to provide support, eliminate confusion, and empower you to get involved in your child's school community. Don’t miss this opportunity to become an active part of your child's educational experience! Refreshments and friendly assistance will be provided.

Visit https://pa02209738.schoolwires.net/Page/2637 for more information. Or, contact the Office of Communications and Media Services at (610) 789 7200, ext. 3326 or at bvanhorn@upperdarbysd.org.