Volunteer Information FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Volunteer registration for 2012-13 will be available at Olive Chapel beginng on Monday, July 9.

All continuing volunteers approved for the 2012-13 school year MUST reactivate as a volunteer no later than 4:00pm on October 31, 2012.

Q: What do I need to do?
A: Effective 7/1/10, all WCPSS volunteers must register and have an approved criminal background check prior to volunteering in WCPSS. All volunteers approved for 2011-12 must reactivate their registration.

Q: Where can I register?
A: For security, you are only able to register from a computer at a Wake County Public School System campus. There is a computer in our school’s Library Media Center that can be used for this.

Q: When can I register?
A: Volunteer registration will be available from 8:00-4:00pm Monday through Friday through October 31, 2012. From November 5, 2012 through May 20, 2013, the volunteer system will be open on Mondays only from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with these exceptions: December 24 & 31, 2012 and January 21, 2013.

Q: Do I have to go to each school where I have children?
A: No, you can register at any school. Be sure to list all children and the schools they attend so that each school can be notified of your clearance status.

Q: How can I find out if I have been approved?
A: Your child’s teacher will be notified about your clearance status through our school’s front office. If you have questions, please ask Mrs. Annie Goldman, our school receptionist. The Media Center staff does not receive this information.

Q: How long will it take until I find out if I am cleared?
A: The amount of time it takes to process volunteer requests and background checks varies depending on the volume of requests. The highest volume occurs at the beginning of the school year. Parents and other volunteers are encouraged to register as early in the school year as possible.

Q: Can I volunteer at my child’s school while I am waiting for notification?
A: No. Unfortunately, all volunteers must register and receive clearance notification before volunteering at their children’s schools. This is per WCPSS Board Policy.

Q: What happened to the levels?
A: Approved volunteers are no longer assigned clearance levels as in the past (levels 1 through 4). Volunteer applications will be processed as approved, approved for driving, or denied. Applicants who are denied will be notified in writing by the WCPSS Human Resources Department. Approved applicants will be notified by the school.

Q: I am a WCPSS employee. Do I need to register if I want to volunteer in my child’s school?
A: No. WCPSS employees do not have to register as volunteers to perform volunteer roles outside of their job assignment, such as volunteering for their own child’s school and/or class.