Clearance and Certification Requirements

Overview

In compliance with Act 153 of 2014, all Knoch School District employees, program volunteers, and overnight chaperones are required to obtain and maintain specific clearances and certifications. These requirements ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

Important Notes:

• Initial Submissions: Clearances must be submitted within one year of your start date.
• Renewal: Certifications must be renewed and submitted to the Human Resources Department every five years.
• Cost Responsibility: All costs associated with obtaining and maintaining clearances are the employee's responsibility. The district does not provide reimbursement.

All individuals with direct contact with children must possess the following clearances:

1. Act 34 – Pennsylvania Criminal History Check
1. Application: Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH)
2. Fee: $22.00
3. Processing Time: Results are usually available immediately but may take up to 2 weeks if under review.

2.     Act 114 - FBI Fingerprinting

1. 1. Registration: IdentoGO Enrollment – Please use service code “1KG6XN” during registration.
   2. Fee: $26.20
   3. Fingerprinting must be completed at an approved site after online registration.

3.     Act 151 - Child Abuse History Clearance

1. 1. Application: PA Child Abuse Clearance
   2. Fee: $13.00
   3. Processing Time: Approximately 2 weeks

Additional Training Requirements

1. ACT 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act
• Training: Free online training (approx. 3 hours) available at Report Abuse PA
• Certificate: Print upon completion.

Submission of Clearances

Heather Visnesky, Human Resources Coordinator

Knoch School District

328 Knoch Road

Saxonburg, PA 16055

 

Important Reminders

• Direct Contact Definition: Direct contact with children includes care, supervision, guidance, control, or routine interaction with children.
• Registration Email: Use your email address to register. If certifications are sent directly to the District, we cannot access your information.
• Certificate Copies: All original copies should be submitted to the Human Resources Department. Copies should be kept and maintained for your records.
• Please keep a record of all usernames and passwords. The District cannot assist with recovering this information.

 

Knoch School District Volunteer Information

The Knoch School District is grateful for the time and talents contributed by our volunteers on behalf of our students. To help ensure a safe and secure environment for all, we ask that volunteers follow the procedures outlined below regarding background checks and clearance requirements.

Background Check Requirements for Volunteers

As part of our commitment to student safety, clearances are required for all volunteers within the Knoch School District. Volunteers must complete the necessary background checks before beginning their volunteer work. These clearances help us maintain a safe environment and meet state and federal requirements.

Required Clearances for Volunteers:

1. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
   To request your criminal history clearance, visit the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check page. Please select “New Volunteer Record Check” to get started.
2. Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Abuse Clearance
   To apply for your child abuse clearance, please visit the PA Child Welfare Information System (CWIS). 
3. FBI Criminal History Check (Act 114)
   Volunteers who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 consecutive years must complete the FBI fingerprinting-based background check. To register for this, please visit IdentoGO for Act 114 fingerprinting and use service code “1KG6ZJ.” to register under volunteer status. However, if you have lived in Pennsylvania for the last 10 consecutive years and have no prior criminal record, you may be eligible to waive the FBI fingerprint check by submitting the AR-1 FBI Request for Waiver form.

• Volunteers are required to submit their clearances before starting any volunteer service.
• Clearances must be renewed every 60 months (5 years).

Exemption from FBI Background Check:

 

Volunteers who have resided in Pennsylvania for 10 or more consecutive years and have no criminal history may be exempt from the FBI background check. If this applies to you, please ensure that you complete the Volunteer Application along with the FBI Volunteer Request for Waiver of FBI Record Check, confirming that you are not disqualified from volunteering due to criminal convictions.

 

Free Clearances for Volunteers:

Volunteers are eligible for free criminal record checks and child abuse clearances, provided once every 57 months. These free clearances apply only to volunteer positions and do not apply to paid employee positions.

The District does not reimburse for background check fees, as the clearances are provided at no cost to volunteers.

Thank You for Volunteering!

The Knoch School District appreciates your willingness to volunteer and make a positive impact on our students' lives. If you have any questions or need assistance with the clearance process, please don’t hesitate to contact the main office of your student's school. Alternatively, you may contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected].