Want to Volunteer in School? Get Your Clearance Now!
DCPS requires all volunteers and field trip chaperones (beyond one-time event volunteers such as Field Day or in-class book reading) to obtain a tuberculosis (TB) screening within the past 12 months, complete a clearance application, and have a fingerprint background check. So, if you plan on volunteering as a field trip chaperone, for example, you’ll need to get this required clearance. You can read more about the DCPS policy here.
DCPS clearance records are valid for 2 years from the fingerprinting date.
Why do we need to do this?
>Having volunteers with clearances keeps all of our kids safe. The more people with clearances guarantees parents and caregivers are eligible to volunteer for school activities.
I already have a top-secret federal security clearance. Do I still need to do this to volunteer?
>If you are a potential volunteer with an active secret or top-secret federal security clearance. Individuals in this group should complete the Federal Security Clearance Verification letter in lieu of being fingerprinted with DCPS. You will be directed in accordance with DCPS policy and more info is available on their website or direct questions to .
Are there other exceptions to this clearance?
>If you are volunteering for a one-time, on-campus event, like Career Day or Field Day. Please email the Clearance Team at to confirm whether you qualify for a clearance exception.
Where and when can I get fingerprinted?
>DCPS now outsources this. More information can be found when you go through the clearance process. The partner is called FieldPrint.
How will Lafayette know I am cleared to chaperone?
>Once you receive your clearance letter from DCPS, you can share a copy of the letter with Lafayette electronically via and cc your letter to AP Cockrell at .
Will Lafayette know if I didn’t pass my security clearance?
>No, the only way we know people have gone through the background check is if they submit their clearance letter to the school.
How long does the process take?
> Once you have completed your online application, and fingerprinting, it could take 2 weeks or longer depending on the number of requests that the district is processing for ALL schools. This is why we are recommending that you get this sorted NOW so that you can volunteer in the classroom.