Miami-Dade County Public Schools
School Volunteer Program Policies and Guidelines
1.
All volunteers (Level 1 or Level 2) must successfully complete the registration and background check process.
Board Policy 8332 Statement of Collection, Use or Release of Social Security Numbers as it relates to Volunteers The School Board of Miami-Dade County is authorized to collect, use or release social security numbers (SSN) of employees, employee dependents, and other individuals for the following purposes*, which are noted as either required or authorized by law to be collected. *Florida Statute 119.071(5)(a)2.a.(II).
2.
Once approved, all volunteers must check in and check out at a designated location in the school before proceeding to volunteer. This is required for the purposes of liability, tracking hours of service, and communicating with volunteers in case of an emergency.
3.
All volunteers must have identification and wear an identifying badge whenever volunteering.
4.
Volunteers are to always serve as positive role models. A school volunteer MUST ALWAYS:
a. Use appropriate language;
b. Discuss age-appropriate topics;
c. Refrain from inappropriately touching students;
d. Refrain from disciplining students (behaviors needing discipline must be referred to the appropriate teacher or staff member); and
e. Refrain from giving students gifts, rewards, or food items of any kind without the teacher’s permission;
Board Policies 3213, 3380, 55175.
For liability reasons, volunteers must leave preschoolers or children not registered in the school at home.
6.
Volunteers may not be left alone to supervise students. The visual and auditory presence of a Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ employee or legal guardian must be maintained at all times including on field trips or virtual-related activities.
Board Policy 23407.
Volunteers MUST keep confidential any information about a student or any school-related incident. If there is a safety concern or an emergency issue, it must immediately be communicated to someone in authority.
Board Policy 83308.
Volunteers should notify the front office if an illness or emergency prohibits them from attending a scheduled volunteer shift. Volunteers should be prompt and dependable.
9.
The dress code for volunteers should be appropriate at all times.
10.
Volunteers should exercise appropriate and responsible use of school and District technology, video conferencing platforms, social media, and information systems.
Board Policy 7540 11.
Volunteers must report suspected child abuse per Florida Statute 39.201.
Board Policy 846212.
Each school principal or work site supervisor may set additional policies with respect to volunteer involvement. A volunteer’s service may be terminated at any time, either at the discretion of the principal, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, or the volunteer.