Volunteer Opportunities

Under Rhode Island Law, all school volunteers must undergo a State criminal background check annually.  Background checks expire one year from the issuance date.  To obtain a State criminal background check, all prospective volunteers must visit their City/Town Police Department and present a valid ID (RI Drivers’ License or State issued identification).  Each City/Town has different policies, so it is strongly recommended that you check requirements online prior to visiting your local police department.  State criminal background checks may also be obtained through the Office of Attorney General, 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI.  You must present a valid ID; there is a $5.00 fee charged by the Office of Attorney General.  Please visit their website for further information:

http://www.riag.ri.gov/BCI/index.php#

**ALL Volunteers are required to have a current BCI Check completed before they start volunteering in the schools.

NOW RECRUITING:  CHILD OUTREACH DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING VOLUNTEERS

New Screener Training Held Monthy
Volunteers who are interested in participating in the Child Outreach Developmental Screener training session must contact Leslie Walaska Baxter, VOWS’ Child Outreach Project Director. They can call Leslie at 401-298-6973 or email her at leslie.baxter@warwickschools.org.  

NOW RECRUITING:  Heads Up!Anti-Bullying and Conflict Resolution Program Volunteers

Heads Up Program 

The Heads Up Program runs annually in Warwick Public Schools’ second grades between Ocotber and June.  Interested volunteers must register either through  the VOWS Coordinator at their local elementary school, or by contacting Nicole Spirito, Executive Director and Heads Up Program Manager.  You may call the VOWS office at 401-298-6973 or email nicole.spirito@warwickschools.org.  

Those who volunteer for this program make a commitment to: 

  • Attend three training sessions to learn the Heads Up curriculum.
  • Devote 1-1 ½ hours one day per week for ten weeks to present the Heads Up curriculum in the classroom.
  • Keep a weekly journal to report your experiences as a Heads Up presenter.
  • Collect program materials and student and teacher journals after completion of the program.
  • Attend an evaluation session at the conclusion of the program.
  • Please note, parents of second grade students may not volunteer in their own child’s school.  We do our best to place you at a different area school geographically close to your home.

NOW RECRUITING:  Sewing Volunteers for Heads Up!Anti-Bullying and Conflict Resolution Program Volunteers

 Each year, the Heads Up Program distributes over 650 felt hand puppets to our second grade students to complete one of the weekly activities in the curriculum.  We welcome the support of volunteers who have sewing machines and are willing to help in this effort.  Bundles of 25 puppets are available for pick up.  Please call the VOWS office at 298-6973 to make arrangements.

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