1. Who can volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer, and we encourage parents, caretakers, and community members to get involved with their schools. 

2. Who needs a background check?

All volunteers who work with students who will be unsupervised by district employees must complete the background check via fingerprinting. This includes field trip chaperones, tutors, and coaches.

3. Why do I need a background check?

Salt Lake City School District takes security in our schools seriously. It is also a state law:

• Administrative Rules.
• Utah Code
• Utah Code

4. Are other districts doing this?

Yes. Background checks are done statewide by all school districts and other agencies serving children and young adults. 

5. What are they looking for in the background check?

Background checks will flag misdemeanors and felonies that may affect the safety and security of students. A parking ticket, off-leash dog, or failure to shovel snow from a sidewalk will not limit a volunteer’s ability to work with children.

6. Will I have to be fingerprinted every year?

In our school district, volunteers complete a one-time background check that covers them until they ask to exit the volunteer program. 

7. How do I initiate a background check? 

The background check process starts when you fill out an application online or at the school kiosk. Volunteer applicants will then automatically receive an email from volunteer.fingerprinting@slcschools.org that includes a link to schedule your appointment. 

8. Where can I find the Volunteer Application?

The Volunteer Application is located on the Salt Lake City School District’s website on the Volunteer webpage. You can use this link to apply.

9. Where does volunteer fingerprinting take place? 

At the district office: 406 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111 

Please check in at the front office.  

10. What do I need to bring to the fingerprinting appointment?  

Please bring your photo ID.  

11. How much does the background check cost? 

It is free for volunteers. The school district covers the cost.

12. How long does the background check take? 

Plan for 20 minutes from start to finish. Many appointments take under ten minutes to complete. 

13. Do you use fingerprinting ink? 

No. The school district uses an electronic scanner that quickly captures fingerprints. This is a clean method that allows prints to be sent directly to the Bureau of Criminal Identification.  

14. How will school staff know that I have passed my background check? 

Once the background check is complete, your school administrator or the district employee will be notified. The school administrator and secretary can see if you have passed your background check on your Kiosk volunteer record.