I’m wondering if anyone knows what the legal requirements are for background checks and immunization records for guest teachers, especially when they’re teaching minors across multiple states. It’s for a one-month assignment, but I’m not sure if different states have different rules. Anyone have info on this?
Yeah, from what I know, background checks are almost always required if you’re teaching minors, even if it’s for just a short time. A lot of states even require fingerprinting.
Harlan said:
Yeah, from what I know, background checks are almost always required if you’re teaching minors, even if it’s for just a short time. A lot of states even require fingerprinting.
Right, in California, you definitely need to submit fingerprints if you’re working with kids. They check it through a national database too.
Harlan said:
Yeah, from what I know, background checks are almost always required if you’re teaching minors, even if it’s for just a short time. A lot of states even require fingerprinting.
Same in New York! The state education department runs the background checks, and you need to do fingerprinting too.
Immunization requirements can vary, though. Some districts might not care about it if you’re only there for a month, but others might have strict policies, especially with stuff like the MMR vaccine.
Voss said:
Immunization requirements can vary, though. Some districts might not care about it if you’re only there for a month, but others might have strict policies, especially with stuff like the MMR vaccine.
Wait, MMR? What’s that stand for? Sorry, I’m not familiar with all the vaccine names.
@Zinn
Oh, sorry! MMR is the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. It’s one of the main ones schools might ask for.
@Zinn
Yeah, the MMR is a big one. Some schools might still require it, especially if you’re around younger kids.
I think it’s best to just ask the school district directly. Policies can vary a lot depending on whether you’re an independent contractor or a district employee.
Haru said:
I think it’s best to just ask the school district directly. Policies can vary a lot depending on whether you’re an independent contractor or a district employee.
Good idea! I had a gig like this once, and every district seemed to have their own set of rules. Better to double-check than assume.
Most places I’ve heard about do the background check no matter what. Immunizations, though, could depend on whether the guest teacher is considered an employee or not.
LawtonB said:
Most places I’ve heard about do the background check no matter what. Immunizations, though, could depend on whether the guest teacher is considered an employee or not.
Yeah, exactly. If they’re officially hired by the district, they might have to follow all the same rules as full-time staff, even for just a month.