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School Volunteer Information

The Knoch School District is grateful for the time and talents contributed by our volunteers on behalf of our students. To help ensure a safe and secure environment for all, we ask that volunteers follow the procedures outlined below regarding background checks and clearance requirements.

 

Background Check Requirements for Volunteers

As part of our commitment to student safety, clearances are required for all volunteers within the Knoch School District. Volunteers must complete the necessary background checks and required training before beginning their volunteer work. This important information helps us maintain a safe environment and meet state and federal requirements. Volunteers must submit all required documentation before beginning any service with the District.

 

Required Clearances for Volunteers:

 

  1. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
    To request your criminal history clearance, visit the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check page. Please select "New Volunteer Record Check" to get started.
  2. Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Abuse Clearance
    To apply for your child abuse clearance, please visit the PA Child Welfare Information System (CWIS). 
  3. FBI Criminal History Check (Act 114)
    Volunteers who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 consecutive years must complete the FBI fingerprinting-based background check. To register for this, please visit IdentoGO for Act 114 fingerprinting and use the service code "1KG6ZJ" to register as a volunteer. However, if you have lived in Pennsylvania for the last 10 consecutive years and have no prior criminal record, you may be eligible to waive the FBI fingerprint check by submitting the AR-1 FBI Request for Waiver form.
 

Additional Volunteer Requirements:

 

    • Please complete all fields and return it to the building in which you are volunteering for the Building Administrator's signature.
  • ACT 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act
    • Training: Free online training available at Report Abuse PA
    • Please save or print a copy of your certificate upon completion.
  • Act 24 – Arrest/Conviction Report Form

As a reminder: Clearances must be renewed every 60 months (5 years).

 

Exemption from FBI Background Check:

 

Volunteers who have resided in Pennsylvania for 10 or more consecutive years and have no criminal history may be exempt from the FBI background check. If this applies to you, please complete the Volunteer Application and the FBI Volunteer Request for Waiver of FBI Record Check to confirm that you are not disqualified from volunteering due to criminal convictions.

 

 

Important Reminders

  • Direct Contact Definition
    • Direct contact with children includes providing care, supervision, guidance, control, or having routine interaction with children.
  • Clearance Applications
    • When registering for any required clearance or training, you must use your personal email address to create your user account.
    • All clearance documents should be sent directly to you (the volunteer).
    • If certifications are sent directly to the District, we cannot access your information.
  • Submission of Certificates
    • All original clearance certificates must be submitted to the District.
    • Please keep copies of all documents for your personal records.
  • Account Information
    • Keep a record of all usernames and passwords associated with your clearances and trainings.
    • The District cannot assist with recovering login information.
  • Free Clearances for Volunteers
    • Volunteers are eligible to receive free criminal record checks and child abuse clearances once every 57 months.
    • These free clearances apply only to volunteer positions and do not apply to paid employee roles.
    • The District does not reimburse background check fees, as the required volunteer clearances are provided at no cost.

 

Thank you for volunteering!

 

The Knoch School District appreciates your willingness to volunteer and make a positive impact on our students' lives. If you have any questions or need assistance with the clearance process or requirements of your volunteer position, please don't hesitate to contact the main office of your student's school. Alternatively, volunteer coaches and advisors can contact the Athletic Department.