We have a wonderful volunteer program coordinated through our PTO. Parent, other family members, and community members can all serve as helpers in the classroom doing things for the teachers or helping children with skills. They have also assisted in the office, the lunchroom, and the playground. We had over 60 volunteers last year who gave over 3200 hours to our school!

Our program starts with the teacher filling out a form that tells what she/he needs help with and what days and times they need this help. We then make a copy of the completed form to go home with each child along with a letter explaining the program. The parents complete an RSVP section and return it to school. The teacher then sets up the volunteer schedule with the parents who responded back. We post info on any miscellaneous needs by the sign in sheet in the office.

With budget cuts we've lost many aides so the volunteer program has become a vital part of making sure our students are getting the extra help they need with their studies.

Are there any schools out there that allow parents or community members to volunteer in classrooms, teacher's aide workrooms or playgrounds? If they do, who pays for the background check, volunteers, the school or PTO?
If your school allows this how well is it working? And how are you doing this? Thank you