Finger Printing

To comply with the National Child Protection Act of 1993, the Department of Education requires a mandatory national FBI criminal history background check, “to determine the fitness of an employee, or volunteer, or a person with unsupervised access to children.”  This imperative applies to certain pre-service EDU courses, practicum, school counseling internships, MAT Students, and Student teaching. 

 

Fingerprinting is required for: 

  • Concurrently with EDU 101/222/223 
  • Prior to Practicum -  if you were fingerprinted as part of the classes listed above, you do not need to repeat the process here. 
  • Prior to EDU 495R (Student Teaching) 
  • If 2 or more years has passed since the last background check 
  • Prior to admission to the MAT program 
  • As needed at the discretion of the Field Placement Director 

Clearance for Schools:

  • Approval to be in schools is contingent upon background check clearance. This process can take from 1-6 weeks.  
  • The ‘Consent to Background Check’ forms are meant to be a pre-screening process. Students must disclose any past or pending convictions with forthrightness and honesty. Failure to do so may result in your removal from the education program. 
  • Students whose background checks return with a conviction will meet with the Field Placement Director to discuss their options. A pending case may mean that your participation in the education program may be put on hold until the case is resolved or closed.  
  • The safety of students in schools is paramount. If your background check prohibits you from entering the classroom, in consultation with the Director of Field Placement alternative options may be considered, such as expungement of record, which could allow you to enter the classroom at a later date.