Volunteering with IPS

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) values strong relationships with parents and the community. School volunteers bring valuable skills and experiences that enhance students’ learning opportunities. The following guidelines are provided to ensure student safety and the productivity of volunteer efforts. 

Before initiating your volunteer journey, it is crucial to connect with the administration at the specific site where you wish to contribute. This will help you identify the most suitable volunteer opportunities. If your application is submitted and approved, IPS Human Resources will determine your Tier level and guide you through the next steps.

Open windows for submitting a volunteer application are as follows: 

Application Window is Now Open!

Notice for Renewal 26/27 School Year:

• Tier 1 - Volunteers approved during the 25/26 school year have expired. A new application must be submitted to continue volunteer services.
• Tier 2 - Volunteers approved during the 25/26 school year have expired. A new application and criminal background check must be submitted to continue volunteer services.
• Tier 3 - Volunteers applications submitted between August 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 have expired. A new application and criminal background check must be submitted to continue volunteer services.
  • Tier 3 volunteer applications are valid for two years. Volunteers approved from January 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025 will expire January 2027. A new application and background check will need to be completed prior to January 2027.

Volunteers are responsible for any application fees (including background checks). If a financial or technical obstacle, or language barrier prevents completion of the application or background check, please contact the school where you are trying to volunteer. Financial aid assistance for background checks is available, but is dependent upon building-level resources.

Application Quick Links

Volunteer Application in Nimble

Solicitud de Voluntariado en Español

Volunteer Tier Levels

Our volunteer opportunities are thoughtfully structured into tiers, each offering varying levels of student interaction, visit frequency, and assigned tasks. Specific requirements such as background checks or Department of Child Services (DCS) screenings may apply depending on the tier.

Tier I Volunteer – Supervised School Visitors 

Definition 

School visitors are community members visiting a school for short durations of time. They do not have unsupervised exposure to students.

Examples include: 

• Guest readers and speakers 
• Parents or guardians participating in a one-time, on-campus activity with their student(s). 
• Assisting with preparing classroom materials away from students, such as in the office, home, or workroom.
• Corporate volunteers with a district approved IPS Partnership. (Note: volunteer must have an up-to-date background check on file with employer.) 

Requirements 

• Must complete the IPS Volunteer Commitment Form in the Nimble Volunteer Package 
• Present a current, government-issued photo ID to the front desk at the school upon arrival.
• Must sign in and out using the school sign-in sheet and always wear the temporary badge while in the building. 

Tier II Volunteer – In-Class Activities and Student Observers 

Definition 

Volunteers who work under the direct and constant supervision of a teacher or IPS staff member and have no unsupervised student contact. Tier II volunteer opportunities happen with regular frequency, on-site within the school building.

Examples include opportunities from Tier I in addition to: 

• Working with students at a learning center alongside the teacher 
• Lunchroom supervision or car rider duties 
• Classroom assistance with supervision 

Requirements 

• All Tier I requirements, in addition to: 
• Criminal background check through SafeVisitor Solutions 

Tier III Volunteer – Volunteers with Student Contact 

Definition 

Tier III volunteers may include working alone with students or out of the sightline of district staff for recurrent periods of time or short frequency, but independent of teacher supervision. Examples include opportunities from Tiers I and II, in addition to: 

• Chaperon duty of off-campus events such as field trips (including overnight) 
• Participation in field days or similar activities 
• Working at a table with a small group of students outside of the classroom 
• Escorting small groups of students throughout the building independent of the teacher 
• Mentoring activities 
• Working in a preschool classroom or daycare 
• Participating in after-school programs and athletic events 

Requirements 

• All Tier I and II requirements, in addition to a DCS check