Background Checks

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 get fingerprints done at DESE, please schedule an appointment at Fingerprinting at Arkansas Department of Education.

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@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

Jennifer Link, Educator Licensure Attorney