This year we have to get our PA background check & child abuse clearance done to participate in school activities (ie volunteering in the class, field trips, pto events) etc. The cost is $10 for each to be done. The chairpersons for all of our last year's activities we are going to suprise this year with offer them a $20 reimbursement check for them getting their checks done.
Pennsylvania passed a similar law, but it only requires any NEW full/part time employees to get fingerprinted. We've always had to have clearances and if the employee has been working there prior to the law, they are exempt from the fingerprinting.
<font color="#"darkorange"">“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.â€</font> - Eleanor Roosevelt
I do know that at our school here in Virginia, for the 2007-2008 school year, all unpaid volunteers will have to go through a criminal background check and a check through child protective services. As far as I know, no one will be required to be finger printed. But these checks are required for parents who are going to carpool for field trips, etc.
FYI -- The law, NJSA 18A:6-7.1, does not require fingerprinting and background checks for volunteers; it says a district can require same. The fingerprinting and background checks are only required for paid employees of the district.
Judy, I didn't know it was you. Thanks so much. I'll bring it to my new PTO in the middle school and also let the new President of the PTO in the elementary school we just left about it as well. I'd hate for this to be a surprise for anyone considering so much goes on early in the school year.
Thanks again. I'll look for your email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Here is the law number: NJ Law PL,2007, ch.82. It went into effect on May 4, 2007. I will email you a copy of the law and you can call me and I will give you more details.
