Become A TCAPS Volunteer
Make a Difference in the Life of a Child
TCAPS values the many ways our community members contribute to ensuring an enriching learning journey for our students. One of our goals is for all community members to have a genuine and dynamic relationship with TCAPS. Connecting students with caring adults promotes success, healthy behaviors, and a stronger community.
We invite community members to share their time and talents with our students by becoming a volunteer in our schools. All adult volunteers are background checked for the safety of our children.
How to Become A Volunteer
- Read the
Volunteer Standards of Conduct.
- Complete the
online volunteer application form. Once submitted, a background check will be conducted.
- Complete any additional forms below that may be required. Volunteer positions requiring additional paperwork include (click on links below to review additional requirements):
Exchange Student Host Family Additional Forms
In addition to steps 1 and 2 above, persons interested in becoming a host family must also pass DHS clearance. DHS clearance allows a State of Michigan check of any substantiated child abuse or neglect history. To apply at DHS located at 701 S. Elmwood (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), please bring your driver’s license and a completed DHS form with you. Clearance may or may not be processed while you wait. It could take up to two weeks for your application to be processed. If you need to contact DHS, the phone number is 231.941.3900.
Early Childhood Programs Additional Forms
Additional forms are required for early childhood programs including preschool, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), extended day care, and summer explorer's clubs.
Supervised Volunteering Option
Family members who wish to volunteer in the classroom, assigned student area or for a day field trip, need only a signed 
Staff and Volunteer Screening Statement on file in the child’s classroom. For licensing purposes, these volunteers are considered supervised volunteers, and therefore, may not be left alone with any child other than their own at any time. In addition, these volunteers cannot be counted in the state-mandated ratios, but may interact with the students in the classroom as long as the teacher and/or assistant is present at all times. These volunteers may not be working in the classroom for more than four hours per week for two consecutive weeks.
Unsupervised Volunteering Option
Volunteers who wish to be an unsupervised volunteer, count as part of the state-mandated staff-to-student ratio, or work in the classroom for more than four hours per week for more than two consecutive weeks, must complete the following steps:
- Steps 1 and 2 above
- Staff and Volunteer Screen Statement
- Obtain a letter of eligibility from the State of Michigan LARA Background Check unit. The cost of the clearance is $63.00. To obtain the eligibility letter:
- Complete and sign a Michigan Child Care Background Check Consent & Disclosure Form
- Submit the form and payment of $63.00 to Jessica Anderson, Tompkins Boardman Administration Center, 412 Webster Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.
- Complete and sign a
- Obtain DHS Clearance - DHS clearance allows a State of Michigan check of any substantiated child abuse or neglect history. To apply at DHS located at 701 S. Elmwood (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), please bring your driver’s license and a completed DHS form with you. Clearance may or may not be processed while you wait. It could take up to two weeks for your application to be processed. If you need to contact DHS, the phone number is 231.941.3900. [DHS clearance form to be completed]
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Obtain TB Test – TB tests received within one year prior are acceptable. The TB test and medical clearance are on the same form. TB test may be provided by your own doctor or by GT Health Department (231.922.4831).
-
Complete the
Child Care Staff Screening Statement Form -
Return all forms to Jessica Anderson. You may do this one of three ways:
-
Fax: 231.933.1791, Attn: Jessica Anderson
-
Turn in all documents to a TCAPS school office and ask them to send to Jessica Anderson through inter-school mail.
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Mail vis U.S. Postal Service to: TCAPS, Attn: Jessica Anderson, 412 Webster Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
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Field Trip Driver Additional Forms
Please print and return the form below to the teacher directly.
Field Trip Overnight Chaperone Additional Forms
Persons interested in being an overnight chaperone on any field trip must complete steps 1 and 2 above as well as pass DHS clearance. DHS clearance allows a State of Michigan check of any substantiated child abuse or neglect history. To apply at DHS located at 701 S. Elmwood (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), please bring your driver’s license and a completed DHS form with you. Clearance may or may not be processed while you wait. It could take up to two weeks for your application to be processed. The completed Central Registry Clearance Request Form (DHS-1929) and a copy of a valid photo ID can now be submitted via email to mdhhs-cw@michigan.gov. If you need to contact DHS, the phone number is 231.941.3900.
All forms must be completed and approved prior to any volunteer spending the night with students on a school trip.
Summer Explorers Club Additional Forms
Additional forms are required for early childhood programs including preschool, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), extended day care, and summer explorers clubs.
Supervised Volunteering Option
Family members who wish to volunteer in the classroom, assigned student area or for a day field trip, need only a signed Staff and Volunteer Screening Statement on file in the child’s classroom. For licensing purposes, these volunteers are considered supervised volunteers, and therefore, may not be left alone with any child other than their own at any time. In addition, these volunteers cannot be counted in the state-mandated ratios, but may interact with the students in the classroom as long as the teacher and/or assistant is present at all times. These volunteers may not be working in the classroom for more than four hours per week for two consecutive weeks.
Unsupervised Volunteering Option
Volunteers who wish to be an unsupervised volunteer, count as part of the state-mandated staff-to-student ratio, or work in the classroom for more than four hours per week for more than two consecutive weeks, must complete the following steps:
- Steps 1 and 2 above
- Staff and Volunteer Screen Statement
- Obtain a letter of eligibility from the State of Michigan LARA Background Check unit. The cost of the clearance is $63.00. To obtain the eligibility letter:
- Complete and sign a Michigan Child Care Background Check Consent & Disclosure Form
- Submit the form and payment of $63.00 to Jessica Anderson, Tompkins Boardman Administration Center, 412 Webster Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.
- Complete and sign a
- Obtain DHS Clearance - DHS clearance allows a State of Michigan check of any substantiated child abuse or neglect history. To apply at DHS located at 701 S. Elmwood (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), please bring your driver’s license and a completed DHS form with you. Clearance may or may not be processed while you wait. It could take up to two weeks for your application to be processed. If you need to contact DHS, the phone number is 231.941.3900.[DHS clearance form to be completed]
-
Obtain TB Test – TB tests received within one year prior are acceptable. The TB test and medical clearance are on the same form. TB test may be provided by your own doctor or by GT Health Department (231.922.4831).
-
Complete the
Child Care Staff Screening Statement Form -
Return all forms to Jessica Anderson. You may do this one of three ways:
-
Fax: 231.933.1791, Attn: Jessica Anderson
-
Turn in all documents to a TCAPS school office and ask them to send to Jessica Anderson through inter-school mail.
-
Mail vis U.S. Postal Service to: TCAPS, Attn: Jessica Anderson, 412 Webster Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
-