Background Check Process for Substitute Teachers
At Midwest Substitute Staffing, we follow Michigan’s background check laws to ensure every substitute teacher is qualified to work with students. Our process ensures schools stay compliant with state requirements while keeping children safe. From fingerprinting to criminal record reviews, we manage every step so administrators can focus on education.
1. FBI Fingerprinting and LiveScan Compliance
We require all substitute teachers to complete fingerprinting through LiveScan technology. This secure system sends fingerprints to both the Michigan State Police and the FBI, ensuring a quick and thorough review. These background checks help confirm that applicants meet the legal standards for working with children.
According to Michigan law, anyone who works regularly in a school—whether as a teacher, contractor, or part-time staff—must complete fingerprinting. If a substitute has already been fingerprinted and continues working without a break, their results remain valid across districts. This policy reduces unnecessary paperwork while keeping schools compliant with MCL 380.1230a.
2. Reviewing Criminal Records and Ensuring Safety
Once the fingerprinting process is complete, state officials review the results for any criminal history. If a teacher has a felony or listed offense on their record, the district must confirm the findings. In most cases, individuals with serious offenses cannot be employed. However, schools may approve hiring with written permission from both the superintendent and the school board.
Continuous employment keeps a teacher’s original background check valid, which allows them to move between districts without repeated checks. This saves time for both teachers and administrators while ensuring compliance with MCL 380.1230. Schools trust these procedures to maintain safe learning environments.
3. Managing Records and Meeting Reporting Requirements
Schools must store background check records for at least six years to meet Michigan Department of Education (MDE) standards. If a criminal history surfaces during a review, schools must report the findings and any corrective actions to the MDE within 60 days. This ensures transparency and keeps schools prepared for audits.
By organizing personnel files efficiently, Midwest Substitute Staffing helps schools meet these standards and avoid penalties. We manage the details so administrators can focus on teaching and student success.
Relevant Michigan Laws
Our background check procedures align with Michigan’s laws to ensure compliance and safety. You can explore these legal requirements through the following links:
- MCL 380.1230 – Michigan School Employment Criminal Record Check Requirements:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-380-1230.pdf - MCL 380.1230a – Michigan School Background Check Processes:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-380-1230a.pdf
Why This Process Matters
Following these background check procedures helps protect students and supports safe learning environments. At Midwest Substitute Staffing, we handle every step, from fingerprinting to reporting, so schools remain compliant with state laws. With our support, administrators can focus on education while we manage staffing and safety requirements.