Prince George’s County Public Schools appreciates the services that volunteers provide to enrich our students’ experiences. As a community we have a shared responsibility to create safe and supportive environments for all students.

CHECK-IN PROCESS

What should visitors, including volunteers, do when they arrive at schools?

During school hours, all visitors must sign in using the Raptor Visitor Management System and wear their Raptor visitor badge while in the school building.

What is the Raptor Visitor Management System?

The Raptor system enables schools to issue visitor badges with name, photo, time and date and reason for the visit; monitor volunteer and visitor hours; and scan government-issued identification cards to instantly check registered sexual offender databases in all 50 states.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

What trainings must volunteers complete prior to the activity/event?

All volunteers who regularly support schools as field trip chaperones, mentors, interns, tutors and others must complete the following training modules:

• Prince George’s County Child Abuse Mandatory Reporting
• Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Student Safety Procedural Changes
• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Prevention

How do I access the training?

The training is available online through the SafeSchools training management system. Click here to access the training.

Do all volunteers who provide support for schools need to complete the training requirements?

Only individuals who regularly support schools need to complete the training modules. This requirement does not apply to individuals who assist at one-time events under the supervision of PGCPS staff members at all times, such as volunteers for Career Day, Science Fair, College Fair, Spelling Bee, STEM Fair, Principal for a Day, Men Make a Difference Day, book fairs and school dances.

Are volunteers required to complete the training module online?

Volunteers must complete the online training modules in order to receive electronic confirmation and a certificate that this requirement has been completed.

How will we know that volunteers have completed the training?

As volunteers complete the training, participation is recorded and tracked in SafeSchools. In addition, the volunteer will receive a certificate of completion.

Once volunteers have been trained, can they work with students?

Upon completion of the training and receipt of the fingerprint background check and Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance, a volunteer can support the school.

Do parents/guardians who want to eat lunch with their child need to complete the trainings?

No. Parents/guardians eating lunch in the cafeteria with their children are considered visitors, not volunteers.

Are student-teachers, interns and mentors required to complete the training  modules?

Yes. Student-teachers, interns and mentors must complete the training modules.

FINGERPRINT BACKGROUND AND CPS CLEARANCE CHECK

What are the fingerprint background and CPS clearance requirement for volunteers?

The following categories of volunteers are required to complete fingerprint background checks and CPS clearance checks: volunteers regularly working in the schools (i.e., not one-time volunteers at a school event), field trip chaperones, mentors, interns, student teachers, concession stand workers and gate receipt workers.

Where do I go for fingerprint background and CPS clearance checks and how long does it take to be cleared?

Both the fingerprint background and CPS clearance can be done at the Sasscer Administration Building located at 14201 School Lane in Upper Marlboro. It takes approximately 15 business days to complete the fingerprint background and CPS clearance check process.

Please view the School Visitors, Volunteers and One-time volunteer: Requirement page for more information.

Who pays for the fingerprint background check and CPS clearance check?

The volunteer is responsible for the cost of the fingerprint background check and CPS clearance check ($62.25).  The background check will be waived for parents/guardians of a PGCPS student eligible to receive free and reduced-price meals (FARMS), but they must provide a copy of the FARMS letter.

Do I need to undergo another background check if I completed a PGCPS fingerprint background check and CPS clearance check last school year?

No. The fingerprint background check and CPS clearance do not expire as long as the parent/guardian provides proof of the fingerprint check and CPS clearance.

Who informs potential volunteers about their approval status?

A certified letter from the PGCPS Background Unit will be sent to volunteers who are not approved. Volunteers approved to support schools will be contacted directly by the principal/event coordinator.

Who should I contact with questions about volunteer training, fingerprint background checks and CPS clearance?

If you have any questions or concerns about volunteer requirements, please contact the school. For more information, contact Monitoring, Accountability and Compliance Office at 301-952-6774.