Volunteers
Families and community members play an important role in the Whittier school community. Learn who can volunteer, what clearance is required, and how to get started.
If you would like to volunteer in classrooms or chaperone field trips, you must complete the DCPS Volunteer Clearance Process. Clearance typically takes only a few minutes to complete and remains valid for two years.
All volunteers, including parents, must complete the DCPS Clearance process prior to volunteering in any capacity.
Plan Ahead
If you are interested in volunteering or serving as a field trip chaperone, complete the DCPS volunteer clearance process as early as possible. Processing times may vary, and completing the requirements in advance can help ensure that you are eligible to participate in upcoming school events and excursions.
Why Is Clearance Required?
Having volunteers with clearances helps keep Whittier students safe and ensures that parents and caregivers are eligible to volunteer for school activities.
DCPS requires volunteers to complete the appropriate clearance process before providing services to DCPS students, schools, or offices.
Ways to Volunteer
Mentors & Tutors
Volunteers can support students through mentoring and tutoring.
Coaches & Club Sponsors
Non-paid coaches and club sponsors are included among Whittier volunteers.
Field Trip Chaperones
Volunteers may serve as overnight or day trip chaperones after completing the required clearance.
Academic Partners
Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and STEM partners are included among Whittier volunteers.
PTO Officers
Parent group organization officers, including PTO officers, are included among volunteers.
Room Parents
Room parents are also included among the volunteers who support the Whittier community.
Volunteer Clearance Process
Complete the Clearance Application
All volunteers seeking DCPS clearance who are 18 or older must complete the DCPS Clearance Application.
Complete the TB Screening
The DCPS Clearance Application includes a TB Risk Assessment Screening. Depending on the assessment, you may be directed to complete a TB test and provide the results before continuing.
Complete Fingerprinting
Volunteers must complete the required criminal background check/fingerprinting process before providing volunteer services to DCPS students.
After You Complete Clearance
Send Your Documentation
Once you receive proof of clearance, please email your documentation to Charelle.Jeter@k12.dc.gov so Whittier can update its records.
Privacy
Whittier Elementary School does not have access to who has or has not completed fingerprinting. The school knows that someone has completed the background check only when they send their clearance letter to the main office.