Volunteer Information
New Volunteer Interest Form, process coming November 2023
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) values the opportunity to engage with our community to increase access and opportunities for students and families. The culture and climate of CCPS promotes community engagement that invites community members to share their time, expertise and talent with our schools.
The CCPS Community Volunteer Program provides opportunities for parents, grandparents, other significant relatives of students and community members to offer support and engage with school communities in ways that support the mission and vision of Charles County Public Schools. Community volunteers are encouraged to share their interest by becoming a Community Volunteer.
Community volunteers are invited to provide support in a school of their choice on a regular basis based on the following areas of support: classroom support, tutoring/mentoring, school or community events and activities (ex. fundraiser, athletic events), field trip chaperone, school safety (ex. cafeteria monitor), office/clerical support and at home task or projects.
The volunteer interest form, once available, will allow volunteers to express a specific school/center of interest, or multiple schools. Once complete, the interest form will be forwarded to the designated school/center for follow-up with the applicant regarding required background checks and training.
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) believes volunteer service to our schools is essential to student success. The support of parents, grandparents, other significant relatives and community members creates an environment filled with opportunities for our students. Thank you for your interest in volunteering in CCPS. We depend on volunteers to enhance programs and services for students. Volunteers assist regular employees and supplement student services and learning opportunities. Although volunteers are not paid staff members, they are expected to follow CCPS policies, rules and procedures at all times. As part of the many security measures we have in place to ensure safe schools for our students, we recognize the need to properly train and screen volunteers.
Volunteers include, but are not limited to, people who serve as mentors, tutors, non-paid coaches or club sponsors, overnight and day trip chaperones, reading and math partners, and parent group organization officers like the PTO, boosters, team parents. The training and background check are valid for one school year. There is no cost to the volunteer for the background check.
Volunteer Handbook
After contacting the preferred school to volunteer, a registration link will be emailed from the school's volunteer coordinator when volunteers are needed. The link includes the required training materials, the prescreening questionnaire, a handbook that outlines guidelines, expectations and regulations for volunteers, and a link to submit information required for a background check. Volunteers who need assistance in completing the registration process or may be missing information required for the background check should contact the school in which they would like to volunteer for assistance.
Volunteers who serve at multiple locations have the option of selecting three schools during the registration process. All volunteers will receive email confirmation when the background check is complete. The majority of volunteer registration submissions are processed within 48 hours. Approved volunteers will receive a volunteer identification card shortly after they are approved to serve.
Volunteers who are cleared through the process are placed on a school or center list, but are not guaranteed to be called upon during the school year. School administrators will contact volunteers when there is a school/student need that matches a volunteer’s interest or skills. Volunteers should notify school administrators if they no longer wish to be on the volunteer list. CCPS reserves the right to discontinue the volunteer relationship with any individual at any time.