Yakima Adventist Christian School (YACS) relies on volunteers to help in a number of ways with the students and their activities. Since it is important that they receive the proper training, the school has started a new volunteer screening/orientation program. Early in August, 34 men and women started the process to become basic level 1 volunteers, with 30 of them taking the additional training to become level 2 volunteers. The primary difference between the two levels is that level 2 volunteers not only have more extensive interaction with children on-campus, but also often accompany them on off-campus trips.
Patrick Frey, YACS principal, introduced the program and fielded a few questions. The screening/orientation process involved watching a video about what is involved in becoming a YACS volunteer. After the first video, the level 2 volunteers watched a second training video about behavior management techniques.
The screening process differs somewhat between the two groups. All volunteers are required to view the first video, complete the volunteer information form, be interviewed by the Volunteer Committee, complete the Washington State Patrol criminal history information sheet, and have an ID picture taken. In addition, the screening for level 2 requires viewing the second video and being fingerprinted.
Seth Bailey, Grandview Police Department detective, fingerprinted Wilda Roesler as part of the YACS volunteer certification process.
Stanley Way fills out an information form as part of the screening process for volunteers who work with children.
Thirty-four people came for training and screening at a seminar presented for those who are willing to volunteer at YACS.
Patrick Frey, YACS principal, inaugurated a program of training school volunteers.
The last two steps in the process are the line to pay and get the finger print cards.
