Visitors and Volunteers

At Ripon Unified, volunteer assistance enriches our educational programs, supports school safety, and strengthens the connection between our schools and the community. Whether you can give a few hours or volunteer regularly, your unique gifts, time, and talents help our schools thrive.

To ensure the safety of our students and staff, Ripon Unified School District is now using the Raptor Visitor Management System to clear and approve all visitors and volunteers on our campuses.

In compliance with California Education Code and District Policy, all non-students and non-staff members must be authorized before entering campus or working with students. Depending on your volunteer role, additional requirements (such as Mandated Reporter Training, TB clearance, or fingerprinting) may apply. Please read below to learn more about the different levels of clearance, and how to apply as a volunteer.

Who is a visitor?

A visitor is defined as an individual who attends a special event or a singular activity. Subject to the site administration’s approval, visitors must check in at the office and scan their government-issued ID in our Raptor Technology identification scanner. This will allow for all visitors to be screened through the National Sex Offenders Database (also known as Megan’s Law Clearance) each time they visit a campus. A clear tuberculosis screening is not required for visitors.

Examples of visitors include:

A parent attending a recognition event, assembly, parent conference or performance during the school day
A parent or community member helping with a class project or elementary field day, orientation, or walkthrough
Guest speakers
A contracted vendor performing authorized work.

Who is a volunteer?

A volunteer is defined as a non-paid individual who, with District authorization, assists students, schools, or educational programs.

We have different levels of volunteers in our District:

Level 1: Basic Clearance

Level 2: Extended Clearance

Level 3: Extended Clearance plus Driving

Employees Only: Driving Clearance

All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application and have a clear tuberculosis screening on file. Additional information and documents are required if a Level 2 or 3 clearance is desired. The requirement and application process is below.

Volunteer Clearance Levels

Note: The table below is to provide guidance on each level of clearance. Examples included are not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure what level of clearance you will need, please check with your site administrator.

Level 1: Basic Clearance	Level 2: Extended Clearance	Level 3: Extended Clearance plus Driving	Employees Only: Driving Clearance
Provides limited volunteer service, does not supervise students without a district staff member present.	Provides ongoing volunteer service. May supervise students without a district staff member directly present.	Ongoing volunteer who is also authorized to transport students. May supervise students without a district staff member present.	Non-transportation staff or paid coaches who will be transporting students for field trips or athletic events.
Limited classroom assistance Attending a field trip (not as a chaperone) Observation for college course	Field Trip Chaperone Regular classroom help Student Teacher or Intern (non-employee) Walk-On/Assistant Coach (non-employee)	An individual driving students for field trips, after school extra curriculars or sporting events in a personal or district vehicle May also volunteer for Level 2 activities	Paid employee who has already cleared other requirements through Human Resources
Requirements: Driver's License or government-issued ID TB Clearance Online Volunteer Application (includes Megan's Law check)	Requirements: Driver's License or government-issued ID TB Clearance Mandated Reporter Training LiveScan Clearance Online Volunteer Application (includes Megan's Law check) Note: Coaches may have additional requirements that must be verified by the Athletic Director.	Requirements: Driver's License TB Clearance Mandated Reporter Training LiveScan Clearance DMV Pull Proof of Insurance Online Volunteer Application (includes Megan's Law check) Note: Coaches may have additional requirements that must be verified by the Athletic Director.	Requirements: Driver's License DMV Pull Proof of Insurance Online Volunteer Application

Requirement Instructions

Driver's License or government-issued ID

Be prepared to upload a photo of the front of your license or other government-issued ID to your online application

TB Assessment

Option A (Risk Assessment): Contact your healthcare provider or a local clinic to complete a TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire. If you have no risk factors, a physician can sign off immediately.
Option B (TB Test): If a test is required, complete a standard TB skin test or blood test through your doctor or clinic.
TB clearances are valid for four (4) years. Ensure the test will remain valid throughout the school year in which you plan to volunteer.
Be prepared to upload your completed TB clearance to your online application.

Mandated Reporter Training

This course teaches you how to recognize and report signs of child abuse and neglect under California law.
Training must be completed every school year.
Access the Mandated Reporter Training Site for Ripon Unified (link to the left)
Create an account, and ensure you select the following options:
- Click Here to Choose Position > Positions > Volunteers
- Click Here to Choose Location > Volunteers

Complete the Mandated Reporter training (you must watch all videos within the modules and complete the final assessment, approximately 70 minutes).
Save and initial your Certificate of Completion (PDF) and be prepared to upload it to your online application.

LiveScan

Download and print the pre-populated LiveScan Form (link to the left)
Schedule a fingerprinting appointment directly with Liz Ries at Ripon Police Department by calling: (209) 599-0271 and let them know you will be volunteering for Ripon Unified. Walk-in LiveScans will also available at the Ripon Police Department for RUSD volunteers from 6 AM - 9 AM every Wednesday through December 2026.
Make sure to bring the following to your appointment
- Government-issued photo ID
- Completed Live Scan request form
- Ripon USD will cover the cost of the LiveScan as long you complete it using the appointment or walk in service listed above. You can complete the LiveScan using Ripon PD's regular public LiveScan appointment services (information on their website) or at another LiveScan location, but would be responsible for the fees.
LiveScan is a one-time requirement as long as you remain continuously active in the district.
You must complete your LiveScan appointment prior to submitting your Volunteer Application. The technician will provide you a copy of your completed LiveScan form with an ATI Number at the bottom. You will need to be prepared to enter this number into your online application. Keep the form for your records.
Results take anywhere from a few days to four weeks and will be verified by Human Resources after you submit your application.

DMV Pull

This program allows the district to monitor your driving record for safety violations or suspensions to ensure student safety during transport.
Driver approval must be renewed annually before transporting any students.
Access the DMV Pull Notice Form (link to the left)
Complete and sign the authorization allowing the district to enroll you in the California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program.
Be prepared to upload the completed form to your online application.

Proof of Insurance

Be prepared to upload a copy of your current Auto Insurance Declaration Page showing:
- Your name as an insured driver.
- Policy effective and expiration dates.
- Coverage limits meeting or exceeding California Insurance Code minimum required liability amounts ($30,000/$60,0000/$15,0000).

Important Note: DO NOT start the application until all requirements and documents for your requested level of clearance are ready to be submitted

Online Volunteer Application (includes Megan's Law check)

Access the district's Online Volunteer Application portal (link to the left).
Have all requirements and documents saved and ready to upload.
Fill out all required fields carefully. Your full legal name, date of birth, and address MUST match your government-issued ID exactly.
Provide a valid email address to receive real-time notifications about your clearance status.
Submitting this application automatically initiates a Megan’s Law sex offender background screening.

Office Sign-in Process

Quick Links for Volunteer Applicants

We have linked these forms and sites below for ease of access, please ensure you have read ALL instructions before continuing.

DO NOT BEGIN APPLICATION UNTIL DOCUMENTS ARE READY AND REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE FOR YOUR LEVEL OF CLEARANCE