Our staff do not help with eating and toileting. We cannot provide 1-to-1 care. If you are bringing a 1-to-1 Aide, please complete the tasks outlined in our Volunteer/Aide Protocols. All Aides must be background screened and complete mandated reporter training before attending camp. We require an emergency form for all participants and it must be on file before the event.
Volunteers/Aides age 18+
ANY volunteer or one-on-one aide* age 18+ who is working with youth, elderly or disabled populations (at risk or highly vulnerable populations) must comply with the City of Walnut Creek’s background screening and mandated reporter training requirements. Any volunteer or aide is required to check in and check out with Walnut Creek Arts + Rec staff.
Background Screening Requirements:
- Must have proof on file of having passed a background screening from the Sterling Volunteers agency within the last year or during their current employment with the agency.
- The parent or responsible adult for the minor participant is responsible for having their volunteer/aide request a background screening with the coordinator of the program. Walnut Creek Arts + Rec is not responsible for starting the background screening process, which is the responsibility of the parent or responsible adult and the volunteer/aide.
- The volunteer/aide are required to include their full name and email address in their request to the coordinator of the program.
- All background screenings must be completed at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the program to provide for enough time to approve and verify information.
- Due to processing time at the Department of Justice and FBI, it can take multiple weeks to receive results. If possible, request a background screening ASAP even if the start of the program is far out.
Mandated Reporter Training:
- To complete mandated report certification, please visit mandatedreporterca.com/training/general-training
- Once completed, please send a copy of your certificate to the coordinator of the program
- Must have proof on file of having attended and completed a mandated reporter training within the last 1 year
- Please note: certificates from mandatedreporterca.com have an expiration window of two years. To fulfill the City requirement of annual renewal you will need to click “Add Course” and select “General Training” to complete training and certification every year.
- If no proof is available, individual must attend a Mandated Reporter training and provide proof to City of Walnut Creek.
- Mandated Reporter training can be provided by Walnut Creek Arts + Rec and takes approximately 2 hours to complete either online or in person. The aide does not need to pay for access to the training, but they will not be paid for their time to take the training.
* A one-on-one aide is a person who is at a camp, class or program and only assisting with a specific participant. These aides are usually paid for and supplied by the family of the participant. This aide must show proof of background screening and mandated reporter training before the start of any program they attend. Walnut Creek Arts + Rec must maintain on file contact information, emergency contact information, proof of fingerprinting clearance & certification of having successfully completed the mandated reporter training prior to the one-on-one aide being on site.
** Reputable is defined as being a respected and legitimate business or organization, such as the school district, a social services organization, nonprofit or otherwise. A non-reputable agency is something that is completely unaffiliated with any sort of community service, recreation or leisure service.
Limited Exception: For “one off” volunteers age 18+ working in the above setting, as long as another staff member who is background screened and has completed Mandated Reporter training is physically present at all times with the volunteer, that volunteer can assist for a limited amount of time. For example, assisting in a camp activity for 1 day, reading a story during preschool, a parent coming in to support their child during an activity, etc.
Youth Volunteers/Aides (under age 18)
For any minor volunteer/aide, background screening and mandated reporter training are not required. It is highly encouraged that the youth go through a background screening process through Sterling Volunteers. Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation must maintain on file contact information, emergency contact information, and pick up/drop off logistics for any youth volunteers.
Aide Application
Aide Login Portal