Background Check Policy

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Background check policies for school employees, and volunteers

Initial educator licensure

New applicants for an Ohio educator license, certificate, or permit must provide both an FBI and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) criminal background check. These checks must be no more than one year old when the State Board of Education issues the initial credential. 

Periodic background checks

After the initial credential is issued, educators must submit FBI background checks to the State Board of Education every five years. BCI background checks may also be required every five years, depending on certain circumstances. 

Volunteers

Volunteers must provide both an FBI and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) criminal background check. These checks must be no more than one year old at the commencement of volunteering.

Private contractors

Private contractors hired by schools must request background checks for their employees. 

Certificate, license, or permit renewals

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) will check the applicant’s fingerprint database for non-primary certificates, licenses, or permits before renewing them. The applicant only needs to get a criminal records check when renewing their primary certificate, license, or permit. 

Felonies

Applicants with a felony conviction must have at least five years passed since their release from imprisonment, probation, or parole. They may also be eligible if their record has been sealed or expunged.