Field Clearance Information

Anyone working with or observing children in public and private schools, IUs, and vocational-technical schools are required to provide proof of clearances in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). 

To complete a field placement, the following four current clearances must be on file in the Field Office:

• FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Fingerprinting)
• Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check (ACT 34)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (ACT 151)
• Negative TB Test

Plan to apply for clearances at least 2 months prior to needing them for field experiences.  Bring your current clearances to Ms. Linda Skierski, 2011 McGowan Building. If you are unsure if your clearances are current, please call the Field Office at 570-348-6254.  All originals of clearances must be on file in the Field Office PRIOR to going out in the field.

 FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Fingerprinting)

Fee: $23.85

• Applicants must get fingerprinted for an FBI background check.
• Applicants must register prior to going to the fingerprint site. Walk in service without prior registration will not be provided at any location.
• Register online at https://uenroll.identogo.com. Payment can be made with a credit card, debit card, or money order payable to MorphoTrust. Service Code to register is 1KG6RT. Register under Pennsylvania Department of Education (fingerprints obtained under any other agency cannot be accepted).
• Fingerprints can be taken at:

Identification is required

• The Field Office needs the UEID#.

Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check (ACT 34)

Fee: $22.00

Online Application for Pennsylvania Residents:

• This clearance may be obtained on-line if paying by credit or debit card at https://epatch.state.pa.us.
• Create an account using your permanent address.
• The results will be given immediately.
• Print the clearance and submit to the Marywood Field Office.

Application for Out of State Resident or PA Residents applying by mail:

• If you wish to mail in your request with a money order, go the top of the screen under “Help” menu and download form SP4-164.
• Applicants should provide their permanent address.
• Select “Other” as the Reason for Request.
• Response may take 4 weeks or longer.
• The Field Office needs the copy you receive in the mail.

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (ACT 151)

Fee: $13.00

• Submit an application online by first creating a Child Welfare Account and completing the information electronically through the Child Welfare Portal: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

or

• A paper copy of the clearance application may be found at:
  http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/form/s_001762.pdf
• Response can take up to 4 to 5 weeks for processing, and you will be mailed a copy of your results.
• Mail in a paper application (the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance – also known as the CY113) to the ChildLine and Abuse Registry with a money order at the below address.

TB (Mantoux Tine) Test

Cost: Variable

• This test can be done, with an appointment, by Marywood Student Health Services, located in Loughran Hall, or by your family physician or local urgent care facility.
• Once you receive the test, you must be available to return to the same location to be examined within 48 hours.
• Provider must complete a written test results report.

Notes

• All originals of clearances must be on file in the Field Office PRIOR to going out in the field. If clearances are not turned in, the student must drop any class requiring school visits.
• A copy of your clearances is to be taken to all placements.
• All four clearances must be renewed each year.
• Act 24 requires that all school employees complete and return to their school administrator a PDE Form 6004(PDF) within 72 hours of any arrest or conviction of an offense listed in Section 111(e) of the Pennsylvania Public School Code.

All forms and information can be found on the PA Department of Education website (search Background Checks).