Bright from the Start Criminal History & Background Check

1. Bright from the Start Criminal History & Background Check Step by step directions for early childhood students Dr. Douglas Bell

2. Why? • Every student completing a field experience in a licensed child care facility must now get a Livescanbased national background and criminal history check • It is important to remember that it is YOUR responsibility to get the background check and make sure your site gets a copy • The following steps are to help you navigate the process but it is important that you read all required documentation and understand the process yourself – this tutorial does not substitute or override any state documents or requirements

3. Step 1: Choose your Center • This step has to be first because your Livescanfingerprints are only good for a limited number of days. • If they sit in the system without a Centerto be attached for too long, then you may have to get the scan and pay the money again • Important note- if your placement is not at a Bright from the Start licensed facility, they will not be able to process your Livescanfingerprints and they will be deleted from the system (this happens with some faith based program placements)

4. Step 2: Fill out the Bright from the Start Criminal Record Check Application • Go to http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CriminalRecordCheckApplication.pdf • Print the Records Check Application • Fill in the application DO NOT SIGN the APPLICATION WITHOUT A NOTARY • Read the directions and information on p 2 & 3 of the form carefully BEFORE FILLING OUT the FORM • You will not fill in the COGENT Registration ID yet • Take the application to the director of the program you will be doing your field experience at and have her/him complete Item #6 & 7 on the form

5. Step 3: Get it Notarized • If you have not already done so, get the form notarized (YOU MUST SIGN THE FORM IN THE PRESENCE OF A NOTARY) • You can find a notary at your bank, there is often a fee with a notary service (usually $10 or less)

6. Example of the form Fill in the COGENT Registration ID after you get it from the Livescan Choose employee in the check boxes Fill in the personal info Do not fill in or sign this part until you are in front of your Notary (read the instructions carefully and be sure to have the required IDs) Have the Director fill in and sign this part the same week you get the Livescanfingerprints done (Notary is not needed for this portion) Once it is all complete you mail it here

7. Step 5: Register with Cogent Systems & Find Your Location for your Livescan • The instructions for this is on the Livescan fingerprint instructions from bright from the start at the link below (READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THEM – THEY OVERRIDED ANY INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR SCHOOL) • http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/LivescanFingerprintInstructions.pdf • Be sure to record your registration ID number the computer gives to you when you register

8. Step 6: Get your livescan fingerprints & COGENT Registration ID • Take your printed registration reciept to the fingerprinting site (make a copy for your records too) • Pick a site from the link below (you will have to click on your region of the map) • http://www.ga.cogentid.com/GA_regions_html/GA_Regions_Main.htm • Bring your required documents outlined in the livescan instruction form and valid IDs (two copies of your ID are required) • Bring payment if you chose money order option • Go to the site and do your livescan fingerprints

9. Step 7: COGENT Registration ID • If you have not already done so, write your COGETN Registration ID on your Bright from the Start Criminal Record Application in the upper right corner • Double check to make sure the application is complete Your COGENT Registration ID goes here

10. Step 8: Mail the Application • The address is on the Livescaninstructions and on the bottom of the application • I have put it below for convenience (this one is taken from the Livescaninstructions)

11. Step 9: While You Wait • Depending on the time frame you have to wait you may want to go to the local Sherriff's office and get a local criminal record check with a “W” code (please tell the sherriff’s office you need a child care local background check with a code of “W”) • This will be required if you are in a hurry to get started • This allows you to start your field experience while you are waiting for your letter from BFTS on your national criminal record check • Please note – the director can choose to make you wait until you get your BFTS letter about your national background check, so check with your director before getting the local • The local background check costs anywhere from $15-30

12. Step 10: Get your Letter & Get Started • In about 2-3 weeks from when you mailed your application to BFTS you will get a letter stating whether or not you can be in a child care center or around children • If your letter says yes, you can schedule your field experience • If your letter says no, you will need to talk with CEPP and your Instructor and contact BFTS • Note: It is very important that you go through the background check as soon as possible because if the withdraw deadline is past, you will fail your course if BFTS determines you are not eligible for field experience