Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
The Valley Christian Volunteer Community (VCVC) exists to empower parents, grandparents, alumni, and community friends to serve with Christ-like hearts. Through faith-driven action and meaningful relationships, we build a lifelong community that encourages and equips students to become culture changers for Christ.
Ways to get involved
VCS Campus Guest
Campus guests qualify as one (or more) of the following:
- Individuals who have a current student or students enrolled at VCS.
- Individuals who are invited by current VCS staff members as a “guest speaker.”
- Any individual deemed as an emergency pick-up, grandparent, or sibling authorized by a VCS parent or guardian.
When on campus:
- All guests must sign-in at the front desk of the campus they are visiting
- Parents and grandparents are invited to attend chapels! For security purposes, chapel guests on the K-8 campus will be asked to quickly display their car tag and photo ID.
Level One Volunteer
Level 1 volunteers are volunteering at VCS in a supervised capacity, with no student interaction, for a specific purpose, for a limited time.
Example: A Level 1 volunteer can decorate for events, such as Homecoming Week, school dances, Legacy Auction, and Champions’ Breakfast. Level 1 volunteers can serve at the staff gift wrapping event, Teacher Appreciation Week, Angel program, concessions for athletics, photocopying lesson plans in the school office, etc.
Requirements: Level 1 volunteers are required to complete the VCS Volunteer Application form. When on campus, they must check in at the front desk of each campus where they intend to serve. A background check or fingerprint card is not required for this level of volunteer.
Must Submit: Volunteer Application
Level Two Volunteer
A Level 2 volunteer is a “student-facing” volunteer, while still under VCS employee supervision. Background checks are only valid for one year from time of clearance. Level 2 volunteers are not able to serve as field trip chaperones or serve on overnight trips.
Example: A Level 2 volunteer can be one who is helping in the classroom, helping with office work, directing a community service project, field day, teacher appreciation Week, Trojan Spirit Shop, etc.
Requirements: Level 2 volunteers must fill out a Volunteer Application. All Level 2 volunteers must also pass a background check through our background check provider. If you elect to have a background check done, there is a $19.95 fee to process the background check. To begin the background check via SentryLink, click here.
Must Submit: Background Check, AND Volunteer Application
For more on how to obtain a background check, please see the “Background Check Information” toggles to the right.
Important Background Check Reminder: Once you receive your results (instantly or via email), share your report with VCS. SentryLink will only allow you to share once, so should you need to re-send, you can save a PDF of your report and email directly to Development. We recommend you encrypt the email.
Level Three Volunteer
A Level 3 volunteer is a volunteer who serves as a “student-facing” volunteer. This means that volunteers can come into direct contact with students and are able to serve without VCS employee supervision.
Example: Level 3 volunteers are those who consistently serve. Level 3 volunteers can be classroom aides, chaperones for field trips, overnight trips, choir tour, VCS lunch program etc.
Requirements: Volunteers are to fill out a Volunteer Application. This level of volunteer is required to have a Level 1 IVP Fingerprint Card, the same as any VCS employee.
We recognize the increased level of commitment that our level three volunteers have made to the school and will reimburse some of the cost (up to $55) to obtain a fingerprint card. Receipts and a copy of the card should be turned-in to the school office in an envelope marked “Attn: Development Office” or emailed to [email protected].
Must Submit: Valid Level 1 IVP Fingerprint Card AND Volunteer Application
PLEASE NOTE: In order to become a Level 3 volunteer with Valley Christian Schools you MUST obtain a Level 1 IVP fingerprint card (as opposed to a Level 1 Fingerprint card) from the state of Arizona
For more on how to obtain a Level 1 IVP fingerprint card, please see the “Fingerprint Information” toggle to the right.
Fingerprint Information
For instructions on obtaining a level one IVP fingerprint card please see the links below:
PLEASE NOTE: In order to become a Level 3 volunteer with Valley Christian Schools you MUST obtain a Level 1 IVP fingerprint card (as opposed to a Level 1 Fingerprint card) from the state of Arizona
- Community Wellness and Safety of Arizona (Gilbert location, $90 for IVP, Fingerprinting, Background Check, and Processing Fee)
- Arizona Livescan Fingerprinting (Mesa location is closest, walk-in appointments only, $99 for IVP and Fingerprinting)
VCS will reimburse up to $55 of the total cost of your fingerprint card. Please keep your receipt. Receipts and a copy of the card should be turned-in to the school office in an envelope marked “Attn: Development Office” or emailed to [email protected] for reimbursement.
Background Check Information
Below is a link to a guide to complete your background check online:
Important Instructions: Once you receive your results (instantly or via email, share your report with VCS by completing the steps below. SentryLink will only allow you to share once, so should you need to re-send, you can save a PDF of your report and email directly to our Development Office. We recommend you encrypt the email.
Sharing a Report on SentryLink:
- Sign in to your account at: https://www.sentrylink.com/web/logon.jsp.
- Across the top, you will see a section called “My Account.” Click on the “My Reports” option.
- On the My Reports and Payment page, click on the red box “List Reports and Payments” and you will see the description of your report. Click on your report, and you will see the report results again.
- Click on the red box that states “Share This Report.”
- Enter your recipient’s SentryLink Username ([email protected]). Agree to terms of use and confirm by clicking the red box that states “I agree to these terms, please share my report.” VCS will be notified that your report is ready to view. You may check on delivery status by going to My Account > My Shares. If your report is not reviewed in a reasonable amount of time, please contact your recipient directly. They will need to log in to their account to see the report.
FAQs
How long is my background check valid for?
- Background checks are valid for one year. If you would like to continue volunteering next year, you will need to submit an updated background check.
How long is my IVP Level 1 Fingerprint Card valid for?
- IVP Level 1 Fingerprint Cards are valid for 6 years, but VCS will run Volunteer IVP numbers every year to validate clearance. VCS can revoke Level 3 clearance at any time.
Do I need to have a background check to attend a class party?
- You can attend class parties without having a background check (See “VCS Campus Guest” toggle to the left.).
How can I serve as a chaperone on my student’s field trip?
- Volunteers must be a Level 3 volunteer to chaperone field trips (See “Level 3 Volunteer” toggle to the left.).
Can I help in my student’s classroom?
- Yes, classroom volunteering opportunities are grade and class specific. Please see your child’s teacher to learn about in-classroom opportunities. To volunteer in the classroom, all volunteers must be at least Level 2 (Level 2 for single day volunteering and Level 3 for routine volunteering, i.e. classroom aide).
How long does it take to receive my background check?
- You should receive your background check within 1-4 days of submission.
Can I be reimbursed for my background check?
- No, VCS only offers reimbursement up to $55 for Level 1 IVP Fingerprint Clearance Cards.
How long does it take to receive an IVP Level 1 Fingerprint Card?
- You should receive your fingerprint card within 2-4 weeks of submission.
How much does VCS reimburse for IVP Level 1 Fingerprint Cards?
- Fingerprinting costs $90-$100, and VCS will reimburse up to $55 of that cost with a submission of your receipt.
How do I receive my reimbursement for my IVP Level 1 Fingerprint Card?
- Submit your receipt and your current mailing address to [email protected].
If you have any questions about what level is required for the specific areas that you would like to volunteer in, please contact our Development Office at [email protected]. Thank you so much for being willing to serve at our school!
Shout-Outs From VCS Faculty/Staff
We could NOT put on the events we do without help of our amazing Lead Parent Volunteers!!
“Thank you to each and every one of our amazing volunteers— you are the heartbeat behind so many of the special moments that make our school feel like home. Your time, energy, and love for our students do not go unnoticed, and we’re deeply grateful for the countless ways you show up and serve. From classroom help to big events, your support makes a lasting impact on our entire school community.”
“We would love to give a shout out to all of choir crew! We are beyond grateful for the endless hours and dedication they pour into the choir program and the students. We could not do what we do without them! Their excellence and love for the Lord shows in everything they do from supervising students at joint rehearsals and concerts, to chaperoning choir tour to California, and SO much more! Thank you for adding fun and keeping us laughing in the choir crew text thread on tour! They are truly a blessing to this community.
“Rachel Lloyd is an absolute angel. She does SO much and flies under the radar almost every time. If it wasn’t for her amazing organizational skills (and professional office decorating expertise) VCS would be a lot less active and fun! We love her VERY much!
VCVC Photo Gallery
