Volunteer Resources

Volunteer Clearances

To learn more about volunteering with the Wilson School District, please be sure to read Wilson School Board Policy #916.

What are clearances? 

They are mandatory, non-negotiable, background checks required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for anyone who may have direct, unsupervised contact with students.

Activities that REQUIRE clearances/paperwork:

• Chaperone or attend a class/field trip (i.e., Education Day with the Fightins’)

• Assist a teacher in the classroom on a regular basis

• Watch D.O.G.S. program participation

• Volunteer to run a classroom party

• Volunteer to help students in the cafeteria

• Any individual who is not supervised by a district employee for the duration of their visit

Activities that DO NOT require clearances/paperwork:

• Attend a classroom party

• Participate in WHSA/PTO events

FAQs

What clearances/paperwork must I complete?

• Act 34 – PA Criminal Background Check

• Act 151 – PA Child Abuse History Clearance

• Volunteer affidavit in lieu of an FBI clearance

How often am I required to submit new clearance requests? 

• Clearances must be updated every 5 years from the date of request. 

What is the cost to request my clearances? 

• As long as you select “volunteer” as the reason for these requests, the Child Abuse History Clearance and the PA Criminal Background Check are free.

What can I do if my clearances don’t return on time? 

• For questions regarding your volunteer clearances, contact your building’s main office.