Volunteer Resources
We are thrilled you are interested in volunteering at MATES! Below you will find the requirements needed for volunteering in different capacities at MATES.
Please plan ahead because the new requirements require more time to complete and process.
On Campus Volunteer
To volunteer on campus you need to:
- Complete the 2026-2027 Volunteer Application after reviewing the Volunteer Handbook. You may fill out the application in ParentSquare, complete the fillable form attached below, or pick up a hard copy in the office.
- Provide proof of TB clearance (tuberculosis) within the last 4 years. If you are eligible for the questionnaire, there is a form below you can take to the doctor for signature. This needs to be renewed every 4 years. If you are a returning volunteer, we have this on file and will contact you when it is expiring.
- Background check - More information coming soon
Email your documents to Andrea at [email protected] or drop them off in the front office.
Additional requirements and more information will be provided near the end of September.
Field Trip Volunteer
All field trip volunteers or anyone attending a field trip are required to complete:
- The On Campus Volunteer requirements (application and TB).
- LiveScan fingerprint clearance with DOJ & FBI. Please use the LiveScan form below. You must use the LiveScan form below and cannot submit clearance you have had with any other organization.
- Complete the Mandated Reporter Vector online training and submit the certificate of completion.
Please email Andrea at [email protected] to request the link to the Mandated Reporter online training. Then email Andrea the certificate once you have completed it. It takes about one hour to complete the training.
If you completed training at another school this school year, you can submit your certificate for proof of completion. It must be state-approved training.
If you are a returning volunteer and already have the LiveScan clearance, it lasts the entire time you are a volunteer at MATES.
The Mandated Reporter training will last for the current school year and needs to be completed every year.
Parent Drivers for Field Trip
We use buses for transportation to field trips. On occasion we may need parent drivers. Once you have been confirmed as a driver, the front office will supply you with the needed forms.
Volunteer Orientation
September 10, 2026 at 8:30 in the MPR
Volunteer FAQ
What is required of all MATES Volunteers?
1. Volunteer Application: All volunteers are required to complete a
“Volunteer Application”.
“Volunteer Application”.
A. Complete a comprehensive background check
B. Sign the “Acknowledgement of Receipt of Volunteer Handbook.”
2. Tuberculosis Clearance: All volunteers must provide written verification
from a physician or medical facility of their choice of current negative
tuberculosis skin test or risk assessment clearance taken within four
years of the time of performance of the volunteer service. The decision
to have the tuberculin (PPD) assessment and/or test is entirely
voluntary on the part of the volunteer and the cost must be paid by the
volunteer. MATES assumes no liability for any reaction to such tests that
an individual may experience. If a volunteer chooses not to provide the
school with approved verification of freedom from tuberculosis, MATES
will be unable to accept volunteer service.
from a physician or medical facility of their choice of current negative
tuberculosis skin test or risk assessment clearance taken within four
years of the time of performance of the volunteer service. The decision
to have the tuberculin (PPD) assessment and/or test is entirely
voluntary on the part of the volunteer and the cost must be paid by the
volunteer. MATES assumes no liability for any reaction to such tests that
an individual may experience. If a volunteer chooses not to provide the
school with approved verification of freedom from tuberculosis, MATES
will be unable to accept volunteer service.
What are the additional requirements of Field Trip Volunteers?
1. Fingerprinting: AB346 requires that volunteers who will work alone
with students during a pupil activity sponsored by the school be
subject to a criminal background and fingerprint check through both
the Department of Justice and the FBI. Any volunteers driving on a
fieldtrip, attending a fieldtrip, or working alone with students MUST be
fingerprinted. Those being fingerprinted must obtain the required
forms and fingerprinting locations from the MATES front office. MATES
only accepts LiveScan Department of Justice and FBI clearance that
have been processed using the MATES ORI number.
2. Mandated Reporter Training: SB848 requires that volunteers who will
work alone with students during a pupil activity sponsored by the
school annually complete a Mandated Reporter training in accordance
with Education Code section 44691. Existing law also requires all
persons required to receive such training to submit proof of training.
Any volunteers driving on a fieldtrip, attending a fieldtrip, or working
alone with students MUST complete an annual Mandated Reporter
training and submit proof of completion.
How do I find volunteer opportunities?
Volunteers should contact the school site directly for information regarding
volunteer opportunities. The grade level PAC representative, MCN Volunteer
Coordinator, or classroom teacher are helpful resources for finding volunteer
opportunities. A volunteer is an unpaid person who assists under the direct or
indirect supervision of an employee. Examples include (but are not
limited to):
Volunteers should contact the school site directly for information regarding
volunteer opportunities. The grade level PAC representative, MCN Volunteer
Coordinator, or classroom teacher are helpful resources for finding volunteer
opportunities. A volunteer is an unpaid person who assists under the direct or
indirect supervision of an employee. Examples include (but are not
limited to):
- Regularly scheduled classroom support
- Field trip chaperone
- MCN programs and events
What if I just want to visit the campus?
Visitors are not considered volunteers and do not need to complete the
requirements listed above. Visitors shall register with their driver’s license
upon entering the school building or grounds during school business hours
and sign out when leaving. Visitors are parents/guardians and other
interested members of the community who are invited to campus for a
specific purpose with staff supervision, or for events such as:
Visitors are not considered volunteers and do not need to complete the
requirements listed above. Visitors shall register with their driver’s license
upon entering the school building or grounds during school business hours
and sign out when leaving. Visitors are parents/guardians and other
interested members of the community who are invited to campus for a
specific purpose with staff supervision, or for events such as:
- Parent/teacher conferences
- School-wide events (Back to School Night, Open House, student
performances, etc.) - Assemblies
What if I have additional questions about volunteering?
More information regarding volunteering is available in the MATES Volunteer
Handbook and in the MATES Volunteer, Visitor, and Removal Policy. Both the
handbook and policy can be accessed on the MATES website at
matescharter.org.
More information regarding volunteering is available in the MATES Volunteer
Handbook and in the MATES Volunteer, Visitor, and Removal Policy. Both the
handbook and policy can be accessed on the MATES website at
matescharter.org.
If you have additional questions regarding volunteering or
need assistance with your volunteer application or accessing the training,
please contact the MATES office at: (805) 495-7037.
need assistance with your volunteer application or accessing the training,
please contact the MATES office at: (805) 495-7037.
