Do you want to help chaperone a field trip? Read to kids in the library? Help teachers laminate materials? Set up field day?
Then you need to be an approved CPS Volunteer!
There are two levels and the breakdown is in the chart below.
To start the application for both Level 1 and Level 2 fill out the form at chicagopublicschools.civicore.com/
Next, stop by the main office and Ms. Denise will make a copy of your ID.
If you're getting a Level 2 then you're done. CPS will approve your status and let Hamilton know.
If you're getting your Level 1 approval, you'll receive an email from the CPS Volunteer Office <volunteer@cps.edu> with paperwork needed for the fingerprinting process as well as your TB test.
Please note, that per CPS volunteer policy, all volunteers must go through a new background check each school year to ensure we have the most up-to-date background information.
Fingerprints are valid from July 1st (2023) to June 30th (2024) of the school year.
CPS has partnered with Accurate Biometrics and the fingerprinting is free of charge. Search nearby locations here.
For the TB Test you'll need to schedule an appointment with a licensed clinic and pay for the appointment and test results (typically between $35-$45). The TB skin test is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin on the lower part of the arm. You then must return within 48 to 72 hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm. This person will then complete your TB Test Results form provided by the CPS Volunteer Office <volunteer@cps.edu>.
Once you have completed the fingerprinting and have the TB test results you will email a copy of both to the CPS Volunteer Office <volunteer@cps.edu>. You'll receive an email once your application has been approved.
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If you were a volunteer last school year please email Ms. Denise <dmpfeifer@cps.edu> to have your volunteer status resubmitted. Level 1 volunteers will then receive an email from the CPS Volunteer Office <volunteer@cps.edu> with fingerprinting instructions. The TB Test results are good for two years.
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Updated for 1/23 | Level 1 | Level 2 |
What volunteer opportunities does this level cover? | Overnight Field Trips and Day Field Trips where students are separated into groups (ex: museums, zoos, etc) A parent or guardian volunteering over ten hours a week Any individual or non-parent volunteering over 5 hours that does not have a child enrolled at the school Any parent or individual attending an overnight trip Anyone that will have one-on-one contact with a student All Volunteer coaches All Tutors (Virtual Tutors included) All Mentors | Day Field Trips where all student are together as a whole group (ex: plays, sporting events, etc) Guest speaker at events or assemblies Serving as an Academic Judge for competitions Corporate volunteers A parent volunteer under ten hours a week in the school An individual volunteering under 5 hours a week that does not have a child enrolled at the school |
How long does the application take to be approved? | It takes up to five weeks AFTER the TB test results and fingerprints have been done and submitted | Up to 72 hours AFTER submitting your ID to the office |
What do I need to do to get approved? | Fill out the application online Have your ID photocopied by Ms. Denise at Hamilton Complete Background Check Authorization form (emailed from CPS) Get fingerprinted through the CPS vendor, Accurate Biometrics Get a TB test done Send the receipt from the fingerprinting and TB test results to volunteer@cps.edu | |
How much does it cost? | Fingerprinting is free and must be done using the CPS vendor, Accurate Biometrics TB testing is arranged and paid for by the volunteer. | There is no cost associated with this volunteer process. |
I was a volunteer last school year; what do I need to do for this year? | Email Ms. Denise and ask to be approved to volunteer by the school Complete Background Check Authorization form (emailed from CPS) Get fingerprinted through CPS Vendor Send the receipt from the fingerprinting to volunteer@cps.edu TB Test is good for 2 years | Email Ms. Denise and ask to be approved to volunteer by the school |
CPS BOARD VOLUNTEER POLICY
PURPOSE: This policy shall: (1) ensure that prospective volunteers are properly vetted and approved annually; (2) ensure that volunteers do not pose undue risk to the health and safety of CPS students and (3) make clear that CPS Principals are responsible for ensuring that volunteers are properly vetted and approved in advance and that approved volunteers are properly supervised while serving as volunteer. (Effective August 22, 2018)
NOTE: For more information about the Board Policy refer to the Volunteer Programs Handbook. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the CPS Volunteer Programs team at 773-553-1544 or via email volunteer@cps.edu