Specialized Recreation staff is unable to provide 1:1 support with toileting, feeding, or behavior management. If your participant will be attending a program with a 1:1 aide, please complete the tasks outlined below. All aides are required to pass a background check prior to attending a program.
Volunteers/Aides age 18+
Any 18+ volunteer or 1:1 aide 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 requirements. Any volunteer or aide is required to check in and check out with Walnut Creek Arts + Rec staff during programs.
Background Screening Requirements:
- Must have proof on file of having passed a background screening from Sterling Volunteers (service provided by the City of Walnut Creek) within the last year or during their current employment with a reputable agency.
- The participant's care provider is responsible for having their aide fill out the volunteer/aide application and complete the background screening requirement. Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation is not responsible for initiating the background screening process.
- The volunteer/aide is required to include their full name and email address in the volunteer/aide application.
- All background screenings must be completed prior to the start of a 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.
* A 1:1aide is a person who is at a camp, class or program and only assisting with a specific participant. These aides are paid for and chosen by the family of the participant. This aide must show proof of background screening before the start of any program they attend. Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation must maintain on file contact information, emergency contact information, and proof of fingerprinting clearance 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, a background screening is not required. Minor volunteers are under direct supervision of a staff member at all times. Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation must maintain on file contact information, emergency contact information, and pick up/drop off logistics for any youth volunteers.
Aide Policy
Aide Application
Aide Login Portal