Clearances

  • Pennsylvania School Law requires that all applicants for employment in public and private schools, employees of independent contractors seeking business with public and private schools, and student teacher candidates undergo background checks if they will have direct contact with students. Clearances must be obtained for the purposes of employment therefore clearances obtained for other reasons and organizations may not be transferable. Clearances must be verifiable by the school district. Innovative Arts Academy requires new employees, pre-service teachers/interns and contractors to submit clearances that are no older than one year (12 months) from the date of issue. Existing employees must renew clearances every sixty (60) months.

    The following three background checks are required:

    • Child Abuse History Clearance
    • Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
    • Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)

     

    All prospective new hire candidates must submit satisfactory background checks as part of the application process. Clearances must be no older than 1 year from the date of issue.

    All active school personnel must re-submit background checks every 60 months (5 years) in accordance with Pennsylvania law. This is a requirement of continuing employment.

    1. Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)

    • Fee as of 1/1/2019: $23.85 - Payment is made by credit or debit card. 
    • Register online with IdentoGO before visiting the fingerprint center. Walk in service is available, but all applicants must pre-enroll online or over the phone.  
    • When registering, use the specific agency Service Code 1KG6Q9. 
      • IMPORTANT: The correct Service Code must be used.
      • Process the clearance for Employment. Reports processed for another purpose are not transferable.
      • If you make a mistake, select the “Back to Home” button and begin the process again. If you proceed with an incorrect code you will need to pay for a new background check.
    • Report to a fingerprint center. Center locations can be found on the IdentoGO website.
    • Record your UE ID registration number (a series of letters and numbers). You will need to provide this to the school district for verification purposes.
    • You will receive an email notification with a link. Print and save the results to a PDF for your records. CAUTION: This link will only work one time. 
    • Submit your results to Human Resources. Results are not automatically sent to the school district.

    2. Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check -   

    • Fee: $22.00 - PA residents apply online.
    • Visit PSP (PA State Police Record Check).
    • Click the GRAY link, "Submit a New Record Check" and indicate the reason as Employment.
    • Print and save your results to a PDF for your records. CAUTION: This report will be viewable to you only one time.
    • Submit your results to Human Resources. Results are not automatically sent to the school district. 

    3. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance 

    • Fee: $13.00 - Applicants may apply online or by mail. 
    • Login or Create an Individual Account to apply online using the PA Child Welfare Portal. If it is your first time visiting the site, you will be asked to create a Keystone ID username. Follow the instructions to create a password.  Be sure to store your Keystone ID and password in a safe place for future use.
    • Use your current address, and check Employment as the purpose.
    • You will receive an email notification with a link. Print and save the results to a PDF for your records.
    • Submit your results to Human Resources. Results are not automatically sent to the school district.

    4. PA Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification (PDE-6004) Form and Notification Requirement:

    In accordance with Act 24 of 2011 and 82 of 2012, all school employees are required to report to the Superintendent or the Director of Human Resources within 72 hours of any arrest or conviction of a Reportable Offense listed in Section 111(e).  The Arrest/Conviction Report Form shall be used for these reports. The law provides that willful failure to timely report any such arrest or conviction can result in termination of employment. For complete information see the left sided link Obligation to Report Arrest/Conviction.

    A note about Act 168 - Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release forms

    In accordance with Act 168 of 2014 and in advance of employment all applicants must also provide a statement using the PA Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release form identifying whether s/he has been the subject of an abuse or sexual misconduct investigation, been disciplined, discharged, non-renewed, asked to resign from employment, resigned from or otherwise separated from employment while allegations of abuse or sexual misconduct were pending, and/or had a license, professional license or certificate suspended, surrendered or revoked while allegations of abuse or sexual misconduct were pending or under investigation or due to an adjudication or findings of abuse or sexual misconduct. This form will be completed by successful candidates as part of their pre-hire paperwork. Do not send Act 168 forms to employers yourself.