School Visitor and Volunteer Guidelines

Volunteer Guidelines

ALL PERSONS MUST RECEIVE DISTRICT APPROVAL PRIOR TO VOLUNTEERING AT ANY SCHOOL/CENTER. ANY “LEVEL 2” FUNCTION THAT YOU SELECT WILL INITIATE A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK ON YOU. THE “LEVEL 2” PROCESS CAN TAKE UP TO 2-WEEKS DUE TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK.

Greenville County Schools (GCS), in an effort to ensure the safety of all of our students, has implemented additional security checks for school volunteers. All volunteers must submit an online application to the district and receive clearance from the district before volunteering at any school/center or chaperoning any school field trip.

Volunteers are now identified by two different categories:  Level 1 or Level 2. The application is the same for level I and level II (you must be 18 or older to become a volunteer) . The application process for each is detailed below:

Volunteer Training & Orientation Entrenamiento y Orientación para Voluntarios Policy  IFCD Rule IFCD Safe School Climate Act Video

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 1 - This level requires the presence and supervision of a GCS employee at all times. Level 1 volunteers must have a National Sex Offender Registry check conducted every time they volunteer at the school (this is the current process each time you check into a school and/or district office). Level 1 volunteers may volunteer in classrooms, work in the Media Center, and participate in school activities on campus as long as staff members are present.

LEVEL 1 application process:

  • Use the links below to complete the Volunteer Application Form, a Level 1 volunteer only selects those functions not containing (Volunteer Level 2) in the name.
  • Once approved the Level 1 volunteer is notified by email.
  • Level 1 volunteers must sign in each time they volunteer.  Photo identification must be presented each time for verification.

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 2 – This level allows interaction with students without a GCS employee present. Level 2 volunteers must have a National Sex Offender Registry check conducted every time they volunteer at the school as well as a criminal background check good for three years.  Chaperones for field trips are required to be a Level 2 volunteer, regardless of the destination (YOU MUST BE 21 or older TO BE A FIELD TRIP CHAPERONE).

LEVEL 2 application process:

  • Use the links below to complete the Volunteer Application Form, a Level 2 volunteer can select all functions available including those with (Volunteer Level 2) in the name. Step #4 is where you select "functions". By selecting Volunteer Level 2 functions the system will conduct a criminal background check.
  • As part of your application for Volunteer 2 status, you are required to view the following documents, which will be included in your application.Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act Un resumen de sus derechos bajo la Ley de Informes Imparciales de Credito
  • Once approved the Level 2 volunteer is notified by email. This process could take up to two weeks to complete.
  • Level 2 volunteers must sign in each time they volunteer.  Photo identification must be presented each time for verification.
Volunteer Application Form Formulario de solicitud de voluntariado

Our primary responsibility is to safeguard our children and ensure we are in compliance with the identified guidelines.  Thank you for your cooperation as we work with our stakeholders to complete this process.  All volunteers will be required to remain in the presence of a GCS employee at all times until applications for Level II are approved.

Schools shall provide annual training to volunteers covering pertinent information including, but not limited to, the Safe School Climate Act and volunteer expectations at the school.

Please feel free to contact your child’s school if you have questions.

More information about the Volunteer Application Process

More information on accessing and using the Volunteer Portal