Skip to main content
Human Resources » Background Checks & Clearances » Volunteer Eligibility & Clearance Requirements

Volunteer Eligibility & Clearance Requirements

The Richland School District values the support of parents and community members who volunteer their time in our schools. To ensure the safety and well-being of students and to comply with Pennsylvania law, volunteers must meet specific eligibility, clearance, and approval requirements.

This page outlines:
  • Who qualifies as a volunteer
  • Volunteer categories and requirements
  • Clearance submission and approval procedures
Volunteer Policy

A volunteer is any individual who performs a service for the District without compensation, remuneration, or other consideration and who otherwise meets the requirements of this policy.
  • Volunteers must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
  • Volunteers are not required to be a parent or guardian of a District student
  • District students who assist with activities (such as equipment managers or student aides) are not considered volunteers for purposes of this policy
Pennsylvania Act 153 of 2014 requires that adults who have direct contact with students or responsibility for student welfare complete criminal and child abuse background clearances, as applicable to their role.

Volunteers who have resided continuously in Pennsylvania for the previous ten (10) years may submit a Disclosure Statement for Volunteers in lieu of the FBI Fingerprint Clearance, as permitted by law.
Clearance Type for Volunteers

Volunteers serving without compensation may obtain clearances designated for volunteer purposes, as permitted by Pennsylvania law.

Volunteer clearances may not be used for paid positions or contracted service roles.

If a volunteer transitions to a paid role, employment-designated clearances must be obtained prior to beginning compensated service.

If Act 114 (FBI Fingerprint) Clearance is required due to residency history, the clearance must be processed through the appropriate system as required by law.
Volunteer Categories

Volunteer requirements vary depending on the nature and frequency of contact with students.
 
Guest Volunteers

Guest Volunteers are individuals who provide limited, infrequent assistance under the direct supervision of District staff and who are not responsible for student welfare.

Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Parents/guardians visiting a classroom with the teacher present
  • Parents/guardians reading to a class with staff supervision
  • Classroom parties, assemblies, or concerts
  • Career Day participation
Guest Volunteer Requirements
Criminal background clearances are not required for Guest Volunteers because participation is infrequent, supervised, and does not involve responsibility for student welfare as defined under Act 153.
Position Volunteers

Position Volunteers are individuals who provide recurring or ongoing assistance or who may have direct contact with students or responsibility for student welfare.
 
Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Volunteers for recurring classroom assistance
  • Cafeteria volunteers
  • Field trip chaperones
  • Volunteer tutors, coaches, activity advisors, recess or library aides
Position Volunteer Requirements
  • Richland School District Volunteer Application
  • Act 114 – FBI Fingerprint Clearance*
    • Fingerprinting Service Code (Employees): 1KG6XN
  • Disclosure Statement for Volunteers (if eligible in lieu of Act 114)*
  • Act 34 – Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance
  • Act 151 – Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Act 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training (Both Part I and Part II, if applicable)*
  • Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test Results
    • Must be administered within three (3) months prior to submission
    • Once a qualifying nonsignificant TB test is submitted, additional testing is not required unless otherwise directed by the Department of Health
*Act 114 / Disclosure Statement
Volunteers who have not resided continuously in Pennsylvania for the previous ten (10) years must obtain an Act 114 (FBI Fingerprint) Clearance.

Volunteers who have resided continuously in Pennsylvania for the previous ten (10) years may submit a Disclosure Statement for Volunteers in lieu of the FBI Fingerprint Clearance, as permitted by law.
*Act 126 Training
Act 126 consists of two required components:
Both parts must be completed by Position Volunteers who serve in ongoing supervisory, instructional, coaching, advisory, or other roles involving continuing responsibility for student welfare.
 
Act 126 training is not required for Position Volunteers serving in limited or occasional roles, such as field trip chaperones, where supervision occurs only for a single event or short-term activity and does not involve an ongoing assignment with students.
Submission & Approval Requirements

All required clearances and documentation must be submitted at least seventy-two (72) business hours prior to the individual’s intended start date.

Clearances must be on file with the District and formally reviewed and approved prior to the individual beginning volunteer service. The District does not recognize a grace period.

Merely possessing clearances or having them on file with another organization is not sufficient.
Because clearance documents contain personally identifiable information:
  • Materials must be submitted directly by the volunteer
  • Clearances may not be routed through or retained by other District employees or administrators
  • Written authorization is required for any third party to release documents to the District, in accordance with Pennsylvania State Police auditing guidelines
Where to Submit Documentation

Supporting documentation may be submitted:

In person to the District Administrative Offices
1 Academic Avenue, Suite 200
Johnstown, PA 15904

Via email to: [email protected]

Please include the individual’s full name and role in the subject line.
Contact Information

For questions regarding clearance requirements or submission procedures, please contact the District Administration Office at 814-266-6063.
Important Reminder

Volunteer approval is role-specific. Changes in duties or level of student contact may require additional documentation or clearances.