Effective August 12, 2004, school districts are required to perform a fingerprint-based criminal history records check for all certified and non-certified applicants for employment. Any individual that applies for employment with a school district after August 12, 2004 must undergo a national fingerprint history check before the individual begins employment with the district. The criminal history check must be initiated prior to employment, but the individual may be hired, and begin employment pending the outcome of the background check. Current employees do not need to undergo a fingerprint background check.
This new fingerprint check applies to all the same individuals as the former Illinois-based criminal background check. For example, all substitutes and teachers at charter schools that apply to be hired are required to submit to this fingerprint check. “Substitutes” includes, but not limited to, substitute teachers, aides, playground monitors, and kitchen staff. Additionally, any employees of persons or firms holding contracts with any school district who have direct, daily contact with any students must be fingerprinted. Student teachers and bus drivers are not subject to this fingerprint check (bus drivers are separately checked).