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Volunteers

Two people smile behind a wooden frame decorated with sunflowers, text reads 'Volunteer With CMP!'

Volunteering at CMP

At the California Montessori Project we believe one of the most meaningful ways we build a thriving Montessori learning community is through the involvement of our parents/guardians and family members. Your time, talents, and presence help bring our classrooms and campus activities to life, enriching students’ learning experiences and strengthening the sense of community that makes CMP so special. We are truly grateful for your interest in volunteering and partnering with us to support our students’ growth and success.

To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all CMP students, anyone who works directly with children is required to complete specific background and clearance requirements. These steps help us maintain the highest standards of care and safety across our campuses and are outlined below.

Where to Volunteer

  • Classrooms
    Classroom volunteers support our Montessori learning environments by assisting teachers with activities, preparing materials, working with students, and helping maintain a calm, respectful classroom culture. Your presence helps create a supportive space where students can explore, collaborate, and grow.
  • Field Trips
    Field trip volunteers play an important role in supporting off-campus learning experiences. Responsibilities may include supervising small groups of students, assisting with transitions, and, when approved, driving students to and from field trip locations. All drivers must meet CMP’s driving and clearance requirements to ensure student safety.
  • Campus Events
    Campus event volunteers help bring our community together by assisting with setup, activities, supervision, and cleanup during school-wide events, celebrations, and family gatherings. These moments help foster connection and create lasting memories for our students.
  • Fun Run High Five
  • Harvest Festival Face Painters
  • Harvest Festival Booth
  • OR Volunteer Help
  • Check in table
  • Volunteer Check in

Volunteer Requirements

To help keep our students safe and our campuses running smoothly, all volunteers are required to complete specific clearance and training requirements before working with students.

Classroom and Event Volunteer Requirements:

  • A clear and continuous LiveScan report through DOJ. Please note this is a one-time requirement.
  • A clear TB test (negative result); good for 4 years from date of reading.
  • Participation in our volunteer training: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers” prior to volunteering, and updated as required by your child’s campus.
  • Complete training on abuse prevention, boundary-setting, and mandatory reporting through CMP’s Vector compliance training.

Driving Requirements (we need all the items to the left AND):

  • A copy of your driving history from the DMV. These reports can be obtained at one of the DMV NOW Kiosks or via the DMV online portal. You may also request your report via mail, utilizing DMV's INF 1125 form.  Note the following:
    • All pages of the report must be turned in.
    • Driving records need to be turned in annually, and within 30 days of the date on the report.
  • Copy of your current, valid driver’s license.
  • Copy of your current, valid auto registration for the car you will be driving (annual requirement).
  • Copy of your auto insurance declarations page showing bodily injury limits of $100,000 (each person)/$300,000 (each accident). Please note that you can call your insurance carrier to temporarily raise your limits for the day of volunteer service with a simple phone call. New coverage page can be faxed to your child’s school office prior to the trip.

Volunteer Resources

  • Review the attached “How to Volunteer” form for a step-by-step overview of the volunteer process, including required clearances, trainings, and next steps.  

    How to Volunteer

  • Please feel free to contact the Volunteer Coordinator at your child’s school office for forms and additional information.

     CMP – American River  Shayne Fackler
     CMP – Capitol  Tehreem Ashfaq
     CMP – Carmichael  Jen Emory
     CMP – Elk Grove Bradshaw  Dawn Whitley
     CMP – Elk Grove Boulevard  Netti Petricca
     CMP – Orangevale  Melanie Thompson
     CMP – Shingle Springs  Laura Cantrell

     

  • Use the attached Live Scan form when completing your fingerprinting. If you need a printed copy, your school office can provide one upon request.

    CMP LiveScan Form

  • In alignment with CA law, all CMP volunteers must complete three online training sessions in 2026 and annually thereafter.

    Why do volunteers need to complete this training?
    With the passage of SB 848 in 2025, the State of California requires individuals serving in school settings, including volunteers, to complete training on abuse prevention, boundary-setting, and mandatory reporting.

    What will the training provide?
    California law places a personal legal responsibility on mandated reporters to act when there is a reasonable concern, and the training is designed to support volunteers in understanding that responsibility with confidence and care. Volunteers often spend time with students and may be among the first to notice if a child needs support. This training helps ensure that all adults on campus understand appropriate boundaries, know what signs to look for, and understand how to take the right steps if they ever have a concern.

    As a volunteer, I’m personally responsible for reporting suspected abuse or neglect?
    Yes. Mandated reporting is a personal legal responsibility and cannot be passed to another adult. Reports made in good faith are legally protected. Failing to report is a violation of California law. By volunteering, you agree to complete required mandated reporter training and to act as a mandated reporter to ensure a safe environment for all students.

  • Once your clearance steps are complete, use the link below to access Vector and complete the required volunteer compliance training.  

    Vector Compliance Training