Background Checks
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To schedule an appointment for fingerprinting at the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040b4ba8a829aafd0-fingerprinting
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
Joi Crawford, Legal Services Specialist
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