Once a candidate has been recommended for employment, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) conducts a thorough series of background checks and verifications to ensure the safety and integrity of our schools. While Maryland law requires fingerprinting for all new hires, FCPS goes well beyond the minimum legal requirements. Our multi-layered review process includes the following steps:
Phase 1: Fingerprinting and Background Check
All candidates complete fingerprinting in compliance with Maryland law. This process provides a full state and federal criminal background check through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Phase 2: NASDTEC Educator Review
Although not required, FCPS reviews the NASDTEC Educator Identification Clearinghouse for every employee hired since December 2022, following the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) recommendation. This national database helps identify educators with prior disciplinary actions or revocations in other states.
Phase 3: Sex Offender Registry Screening
Candidates are screened through both the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and the Maryland Sex Offender Registry to ensure no individual with a record of sexual offenses is employed by FCPS.
Phase 4: Licensure Verification (TEACH System)
We verify each educator’s license through TEACH, Maryland’s educator certification system. This check confirms valid certification status and identifies any suspensions, revocations, or disciplinary actions.
Phase 5: Criminal Justice Information System Review
As an added safeguard, FCPS searches the Maryland CJIS database for any pending charges that may not yet appear in fingerprint results, ensuring the most up-to-date and comprehensive background review possible.
Phase 6: §6-113 Employment History Review
In accordance with Maryland Education Article §6-113, FCPS conducts an employment history review for all candidates applying for positions that involve direct contact with minors.
Under this law:
- FCPS must request employment history information from all prior employers where the candidate worked with children.
- Former employers are required to disclose any substantiated findings of child abuse, sexual misconduct, or other inappropriate behavior.
- Candidates must provide written consent authorizing the release of this information before employment can be finalized.
This process ensures transparency and helps school systems prevent the hiring or transfer of individuals with a history of misconduct involving students.
Our Commitment
This layered review process reflects FCPS’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff. By exceeding state requirements, we uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and trust in every hiring decision