Clearance Information

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. In addition, employment history reviews must be completed for all applicants seeking employment.

The following three background checks are required and are good for five years from the date of submission.

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

Find information about obtaining clearances, associated laws and regulations, answers to frequently asked questions, and additional resources below. In addition, consider reviewing 24 P.S. §1-111, as amended, and the Child Protective Services Law concerning background checks, for more information.  

Link to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Clearance page.

https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Clearances/Pages/default.aspx

ACT 126 Mandated Reporter Training

Act 126 requires professional development for all school entities in four specific areas:

The recognition and reporting of child abuse, the Pennsylvania Educator Misconduct Act and the maintenance of professional relationships with students. All employees of a school district who have direct contact with children must be trained.  This training shall be a minimum of three hours and cover all required topics. The intent of the training requirement is to protect the children of Pennsylvania by ensuring that all those working with them understand how to recognize and report suspected child abuse.

You can access free online training by going to the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center.

www.reportabusepa.pitt.ed

Or contact 717-795-9048