Parent Volunteer Etiquette

A child benefits from parental involvement in school in a variety of ways, including higher test scores and grades, improved attendance and a more positive attitude, according to the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. The teachers also benefit from having an extra set of hands, eyes and ears in the classroom. It̵7;s important, however, that parents remember they're volunteering, not disciplining students or running the classroom.

  1. School Safety Policies

    • Before setting foot inside the building, learn about the school̵7;s safety and volunteer policies. Your school district might require that frequent volunteers pass a criminal background check. Another district might insist that parent volunteers show proof of a negative tuberculosis screening. The school might also require volunteers to wear name tags or check in at the front office every morning. If you̵7;re volunteering to transport children on a field trip, inquire about any licensing or insurance requirements. If you aren̵7;t provided the information, don̵7;t hesitate to call or visit the school.

    Meet With the Teacher

    • Before your first day volunteering, meet with the teacher to discuss her policies and needs. One teacher might desperately need parents to interact with students for several hours each week, while another might only want you to read a story or help clean up after lunch once a month. Share any talents or aptitudes you have with the teacher. If you̵7;re a seasoned crafter, for example, volunteer to teach the class how to paint a flower pot or create a scrapbook. If the students are learning about different cultures and you have lived in a foreign country, the teacher might want you to speak about your experiences abroad.

    Remain Flexible

    • Remain flexible and help out when needed. You might have expected to help the children with reading, but the teacher suddenly needs you to clean up after playtime or plan a field trip. Remember that you̵7;re there as a volunteer and your main duty is to assist the teacher. Don̵7;t hesitate to voice any concerns about volunteering, especially if the teacher is asking you to perform too many duties. If volunteering begins conflicting with your work schedule, consider cutting your hours or finding other ways to benefit the classroom, such as helping out with after-school activities or fundraisers.

    Discipline

    • Discuss your role as a disciplinarian with the teacher or principal. One teacher might insist that volunteers break up fights or settle disagreements on their own. Another may require volunteers to find the teacher or principal immediately instead of interceding. If you aren̵7;t sure how to handle a situation, such as bullying or the destruction of school property, don̵7;t hesitate to find the teacher immediately and ask how she̵7;d like the issue handled. Ultimately, remember it̵7;s your responsibility as an adult and parent to ensure that no children are harmed or bullied in the classroom. However, it̵7;s not your job to punish or discipline the children.

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