Volunteer

Washington Open Volunteer Requirements (2026–2027)

2026-2027 SCUSD Volunteer application

All classroom volunteers at Washington Open are classified as Category B volunteers under new California state law (SB 848). Before you can volunteer in the classroom, on field trips, or for recurring school events, you must complete the application process and receive official clearance.

Please follow the steps below to complete your registration.

Step-by-Step Approval Process

1. Complete Annual Mandated Reporter Training

   • Go to the Mandated Reporter training website, select Training at the top, and choose California.

   • Scroll down to the modules and select "Volunteers" (do NOT select "Volunteers - class").

   • Fee & Support: The state charges $10 for the certificate. If this is a financial burden, email Nelson Hunter at nhunter@scusd.net for alternative instructions.
      

2. Submit the Online Volunteer Application

   • Access the district Volunteer Application Form.

   • Select Washington Open (do not select "Washington Open Extended") under the Site/Department of Assignment drop-down menu.

   • You must upload the following 3 required documents directly to the application in order to submit it:

     • Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License)

     • Mandated Reporter digital certificate

     • Proof of TB clearance (skin test, blood test, chest X-ray, or TB Risk Assessment)

     • TB Expiration Note: TB clearances are valid for 4 years. If yours has expired, you must complete a new assessment. If you are unsure of your status or need a copy, check with the front office to view your records and take a photo to upload.
        

3. Get Fingerprinted (New Category B Volunteers Only)

   • Important: Submit your online application before getting fingerprinted to prevent processing delays.

   • Print page 1 of the LiveScan form (linked on page 2 of the application or available in the front office).

   • Take the form to the Postal Annex at Santa Clara Town Center. The district covers the full cost at this location only.

   • Note: If you were fingerprinted as an SCUSD volunteer in a previous year, you do not need to do this step again.

Key Timelines & Reminders

• Processing Time: Background checks take 2 to 4 weeks on average. Please submit your application as early as possible.

• Approval Notification: You will receive an automated notification once your application is fully reviewed and cleared.

• Questions? Contact the Washington Open front office or Nelson Hunter (nhunter@scusd.net) for assistance.

2026-2027 SCUSD Volunteer application

To apply as a field trip volunteer driver, follow these steps to complete and submit your driver's packet:

Step 1: Ensure Prerequisites Are Met

• You must already be a cleared, classroom-approved school volunteer.

• You must have completed the required District volunteer packet and fingerprinting process.

• NOTE: This year has been a little different due to the changes in volunteer application. Please still submit your driver's packet even if you haven't been cleared yet. 

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Driver Cover Sheet: Download and print the form below.

DRIVER COVER SHEET 2026-2027

• Insurance Declaration Page: Print a single-sided copy of your current auto insurance policy declaration page. It must explicitly display:

  • Your name - must match name on Driver Cover Sheet

  • Coverage levels meeting district minimums ($100k bodily injury per person / $300k bodily injury per accident / $50k property damage)

  • Policy number and expiration date

  • Covered vehicles - the vehicles you will drive on field trips
     

• California DMV Driving Record: Request and print an official copy from the California DMV website (costs $2). The record must be dated within 30 days of submission.

  Driver's Record Request (DMV)

• California Driver’s License: Print a single-sided copy of your currently valid California Driver's License.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Compile all four documents into a single packet per driver.

• Turn in a physical, completed packet directly to the Secretary (Judy Kusa) in the school office.

• Note: Emailed or digital submissions will not be accepted, and incomplete packets will be returned.

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Note: If a field trip occurs on your classroom work day, we plan on work day parents driving on the field trip. If this is not possible, please consult with your teacher or Field Trip Coordinator for possible options, such as: 

• Participate as a passenger "rider"/chaperone. 
• Trade work days with another parent who can drive on the field trip.