Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement
There are federal and state laws that protect the privacy rights of students and families. In a school situation, there are many instances in which confidential information is discussed in order to better understand students and how we can help them. When working in the schools as a volunteer there may be times when this information is overheard. Our staff will make every effort to prevent this from happening, however, as a volunteer you must agree that if you do hear information about a student or family, you will not repeat this outside of the school. This will ensure the protection of our students' interest, and their families, thus creating a better environment for all.
Additionally, two laws govern special education confidentiality. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act} and IDEIA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) which are both regulatory bodies that dictate that confidentiality must be maintained relative to students. Therefore, any written or verbal communication with anyone who does not have a right to know is in violation of these laws. A volunteer should not discuss a child's disability. In essence, only those who work directly with the student are considered to be on a "need to know" basis. If at any time these terms of confidentiality are violated by a volunteer, termination of volunteer services may occur.
As a volunteer:
• I realize that I am subject to a code of ethics to that which binds the professional in the field in which I am volunteering.
• I will keep confidential matters private.
• I also understand that volunteering in the Scappoose School District is a privilege and not a right. The school's administration reserves the right to deny or remove any volunteer violating confidentiality and district policy.