Volunteer FAQ
What is the age requirement to be a volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. All volunteers at the schools are required to complete a Volunteer Form though their NHA Parent Portal account, or through the school website on the Volunteer page.Which volunteer form should I fill out?
Immediate family members (Parents and Legal Guardians) of a student should fill out the volunteer form located in their NHA Parent Portal Account. All others can complete the Community Volunteer form located on the Volunteer page of your school’s website.Can parents share an NHA Parent Portal Account?
Each parent should have their own NHA Parent Portal account with a unique email address.How long will it take to process my NHA Volunteer form?
Processing the NHA Volunteer Form can take up to 6 weeks. We suggest you reach out to your school's office to check the status of your form about 3 weeks after you submit it.What are the volunteer opportunities available?
Many opportunities are available to volunteer in the school! Helping in the classroom, office, library, playground, parent organizations, field trips, and more may be available. Opportunities may also be available for individuals to do from home. Please see your school office for opportunities.Why do volunteers need to submit to a background check?
Our students’ safety is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, it is our policy to require volunteers to complete a background check before they volunteer in the school.
How much does it cost for a background check?
There is no cost to the volunteer for a background check.
What type of background checks are conducted on volunteers?
All volunteers are required to submit a government issued photo id through the LobbyGuard kiosk each time they enter the school. Limited supervision volunteers (e.g., drivers, field trip chaperones) will submit to an online background check through the school’s website. Additionally, unsupervised volunteers (e.g. overnight field trip chaperones, after school tutors) will be required to have a fingerprint background check, except if your school is in Michigan, New York or North Carolina. Unsupervised volunteers in Michigan, New York and North Carolina will submit to an online background check only. See the Volunteer Guidelines for a full definition of the types of volunteerism and required background check.
Why do you ask for my Social Security Number?
Potential volunteers who provide services as a limited supervision volunteer or unsupervised volunteer are required to submit information via the online Authorization and Release form. A Social Security Number is required to conduct a background check through Online Background Check.Am I required to provide a Social Security Number for a background check?
In the interest of the safety of students, our school requires potential Limited Supervision and Unsupervised volunteers to submit to a background check. A social security number is required to conduct an online background check. Accordingly, without a social security number we are not able to conduct a background check. Therefore, we appreciate individuals who offer their time and services but will be unable to accept their services without a background check.Do I need to complete a new criminal background check each school year?
If you completed a background check in a prior year, you may not be required to complete another background check. Certain volunteer assignments required additional background checks. Please see your school office to determine your current background check status.How do I complete the volunteer criminal background check?
You may access the school website and click on the link for volunteers. Information is provided on how to complete any required background checks.How far in advance should I complete the volunteer background check?
Unsupervised volunteers, such as overnight field trip chaperones and after school tutors, are required to submit fingerprints at least 45 days before volunteering. Limited supervision volunteers, such as field trip chaperones, should complete the online criminal background check at least two weeks before you plan on volunteering. Supervised volunteers can begin as soon as clearance is received through LobbyGuard. In Michigan, New York, and North Carolina overnight field trip volunteers will submit to an online background check only.I am an employee of NHA, do I need to complete an additional background check in order to volunteer?
NHA employees who have already been cleared through a background check as a condition of employment are not required to submit for an additional background check. If NHA employees are driving for a field trip, a copy of the driver’s license and insurance will be collected by the school office prior to the trip.I used to work for NHA, do I need to complete an additional background check in order to volunteer?
Former employees are required to submit to a new background check before volunteering.What happens if my background check has a record?
Volunteers will be contacted by people services if their background check results list a record that may not be allowable. Additional information or explanation may need to be provided to verify or explain the issues on the criminal history. People services will make all final determinations on the approval or disqualification of a volunteer based on the results of a background check. All results are kept confidential.Are unpaid student teachers required to complete a background check?
Student teachers from a college of education are not required to complete a background check. This same rule applies for interns enrolled in a social worker program.My driver’s license is issued in another state. Can I drive for a field trip?
Yes, a volunteer may drive on a field trip as long as they can present a valid driver’s license and a copy of valid auto insurance.Do drivers need to provide drivers’ licenses and proof of insurance annually?
It is recommended that you present documentation prior to each field trip to ensure that documentation is current.How far in advance should preparation begin for field trips?
To ensure that the paperwork is completed, background checks are completed, and the driver documents are collected, it is recommended that field trip volunteers are recruited at least 30 days in advance of the trip. Field trip drivers and chaperones should complete the online background check at least two weeks prior to the scheduled trip date to allow for adequate time to process background checks.Overnight field trip volunteers should be recruited in advance to allow 45 days for a fingerprint background check. In Michigan, New York and North Carolina overnight field trip volunteers will submit to an online background check only.
If you have already completed the volunteer screening process for a previous field trip, you do not need to do this again. The school secretary will let you know if you are on the school’s eligible volunteer roster.
Do overnight field trip chaperones need to be fingerprinted?
Overnight field trip chaperones will be required to have a fingerprint background check, except if your school is in Michigan, New York or North Carolina. Unsupervised volunteers in Michigan, New York and North Carolina will submit to an online background check only. It is recommended that a volunteer is paired up with another volunteer to avoid being alone with a child.