San Juan Unified School District
Carmichael, California
Contact Person: Coordinator, Office of Student Assistance and Prevention Programs
(916) 971-7022

Program Description
Parents on Campus (POC) brings volunteer parents to school sites during critical times on campus -- typically, the hours between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. However, these hours vary according to the individual needs of each school. This time frame usually includes lunch periods, an instructional period or two, and the dismissal time.

To begin their patrol, volunteers first meet with administrators to receive information regarding particular concerns of the day. New volunteers are paired with an experienced volunteer.

Four to six parents, wearing distinctive clothing with a POC emblem, walk the campus in pairs, mingling with students, keeping eyes and ears open for potential trouble. In the event problems occur, the parents assist administrators by using hand-held radios to relay information. POC is not a security patrol, though it unquestionably promotes campus safety through a positive parent presence on campus. Volunteers are instructed not to physically intervene in disputes nor to confront students regarding what may appear as objectionable student conduct. Parents and administrators become an effective team in creating a safe school environment.

Parents on Campus programs are led by a volunteer coordinator and a leadership committee responsible for monitoring program activities. Volunteers are recruited from the school's parent community, but may also include members from the community at large. POC programs tend to be parent-driven and primarily supported by private contributions. Schools do provide in-kind contributions such as office space, use of hand-held radios, a secure area for personal belongings, etc.