Background Checks
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The Arkansas State Police (ASP), in collaboration with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will allow flexibility on the 14-day requirement to have fingerprints taken. This will allow individuals up to 180 days to present the transaction I.D. and complete the fingerprinting process. Background checks will still need to be initiated.
To schedule an appointment for fingerprinting at the DESE, click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040b4ba8a829aafd0-fingerprinting
Background Check Process
Step One: Online Background Check Consent Form
Step Two: Background Check Payment
Step Three: List of Approved Live Scan Locations
- In-state applicants proceed to your nearest Approved Live Scan Location to complete the fingerprinting process. Bring photo ID, copy of consent form, and a copy of payment receipt with Transaction ID (electronic copy is acceptable).
- Out-of-state applicants must obtain a pre-printed fingerprint card from the Arkansas Department of Education. Please submit your name and mailing address to: ade.educatorlicensure@ade.arkansas.gov.
Step Four: Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check
- Please complete form, and follow the instructions.
- Please allow four weeks for the employability status to be determined before contacting Arkansas Department of Education
Step Five: Employability Status
- https://aels.ade.arkansas.gov/AELS/Account/TeacherLogin.aspx
- “Please allow four weeks for the employability status to be determined before contacting Arkansas Department of Education”.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Disqualifying Offenses
Arkansas State, FBI, and Child Maltreatment Central registry background checks are required for student teaching internship, first time licensure and all licensure renewals, first employment or change of employment in a public school, charter school, or education service cooperative.
Arkansas Code Ann. §§ 6-17-410 and 6-17-414 identify the disqualifying offenses. A summary list may be found at: Disqualifying Offenses (PDF).
State and Federal Criminal Records Check
Step-by-Step Instructions for:
- Employers (School Districts/Charter Schools, Cooperatives, Vendors) and Educator Preparation Programs (for Pre-service Teachers) paying for the state and federal criminal records check.
Additional Information for Federal Criminal Records Check:
School District Instructions for Classified Employee Waivers
- An Arkansas educational entity shall afford a classified employee or applicant the opportunity to request a waiver from the educational entity’s board. For more information, go to Educational Entity Responsibilities Concerning Waiver of Disqualifying Offenses for Classified Employees.
For more information, please contact:
Clara Toney, Public School Program Advisor
Office of Educator Licensure
Arkansas Department of Education
Four Capitol Mall, Room 102-B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4342
Fax: 501-682-4898
Email: Clara.Toney@ade.arkansas.gov
Professional Licensure Standards
4 Capitol Mall, Box 30
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4695
Fax: 501-682-3781
Joi.Crawford@ade.arkansas.gov