Background Checks on Teachers

[WDCMOM]

Does anyone know the law or requirements of an Independent School to conduct background checks on all staff working directly with children?

I have a concerning situation at my DD's school in DC (DD is 2.5) and the response from the leadership was that the checks were done on an "as needed basis". Has anyone faced this or have law knowedge related to this. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I don't think that independent schools have to do it. But if the person is a danger to kids, the courts would require that they not be employed around children.
I think that the administrators of your school need to grow up.
The response tells me that you should fine another school.
I looked at a school that did field trips with parent volunteers driving. One of those volunteers had had a prior DUI. Way to go schools.

[Anonymous]

That is so scary. I think it is absurd to not do them. They are working with children after all. If they have nothing to hide, then what is the problem.

If the school isn't warm to the idea, maybe you should do one on your own (internet search, etc...). I know this would not be as thorough, but maybe if something pops up the school will then run one. Do any of the other parents suspect anything?

That said, if you are really worried, maybe you better move your child.

[Anonymous]

It is interesting the low number of posts on this very important subject. If we are all putting our children in these Independent schools...shouldnt we know the requirements of the staff working with our kids?

[Anonymous]

pp, totally agree. I think that parents with kids in independent schools fool themselves into believing that they are in wonderland.

[Anonymous]

Most independent schools run background checks on their teachers. If you are concerned about this, you should ask the administration at your child's school to find out if they do. It is in the school's best interest to know about their employees too!

[Anonymous]

I thought there was a DC law that required all persons working directly with children to have background checks. I am willing to bet that parents assume that this is done...when in fact it appears to be optional. Scary when you talk of caring for children that are at an age that they may not be yet able to describe things that happen them.

[Anonymous]

I work at an independent school in Maryland and asked my HR person what the law was. She said that in Maryland it is the law that both a federal and state background check has to be done on any employee that routinely comes into contact with children. This applies to all schools, both independent and public. There is no such law in DC. It is the individual choice of a school in DC to do these background checks or not. She said that she knows that many independent schools do them anyway but a parent would be wise just to ask before assuming a school does background checks. Also she did point out that the law in Maryland only applies to employees and not parent volunteers (such as volunteer soccer coaches or scout leaders).

[Anonymous]

Wow!! On top of all of my other questions that I have about schools...I also have to ask if they do background checks on teachers...this should be standard in this day and age.