Molly Kelly-Elliott, M.Ed.
Clinical Faculty & Undergraduate Advisor
Special Education Program
Miami University
Department of Educational Psychology
201E McGuffey Hall
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513)529-1711
________________________________________
From: Hill, Ellen E. Ms.
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2008 9:36 AM
To: Saine, Paula Dr.; Burke, Robert Wayne Dr.; Wanko, Jeffrey J. Dr.; Mackenzie, Ann Haley Dr.; Shiveley, James M. Dr.; Misco, Thomas; Frager, Alan M. Dr.; Romano, Tom S. Dr.; Wachenheim, Kimberly Wilson Mrs.; Webster, Paula P. Sunanon Dr.; Edwards, Michael Todd Dr.; Kelly-Elliott, Molly MEd Ms.; Southern, William Thomas Dr.; Witte, Raymond Dr.; Montgomery, Karen Dr.; Daley, Karin Elizabeth Mrs.; Johnson, Iris DeLoach Dr.; Pribble, Donald A. Dr.; Drewes, Sandra Mrs.; Langan, Jean; Lindsey, Julia A. Dr.; Raunft, Ralph Dr.; Reynolds, Samuel D. Mr.; Alessio, Helaine Dr.; Hersman, Bethany L. Doctor; Wetzel, Richard Dennis Dr.
Cc: Chase, Melissa Ann Dr.; Feyten, Carine M. Dr.; Rogers, Judith L.; Rose, Amanda M. Mrs.; Benes, Janet L. Ms.; Dillhoff, Mary Ann
Subject: Fingerprints for field experiences

Hello,
Several students are confused about getting background checks done for field experiences and student teaching. I am sure this confusion comes from the many changes over the past few years.
Currently:
ALL STUDENTS, for field experiences and student teaching, must have an Ohio BCI&I and an FBI fingerprint background check. All students must have both of these done before working with students in any school in Ohio. THIS IS A STATE MANDATE, not Miami University’s. Students can get this done at the Miami U. Police station for $56 and the results will be sent to the Office of Student Teaching and Field Experience. Students can have them done at other police stations or schools and have them sent to us as well. This often takes longer but we will accept results from other places. If students prefer to have the prints sent to them personally, that is fine, but they will need to bring a copy into our office before they are allowed to enter the schools. We will send the prints to the schools and will keep them on file here as well.
All student teachers are required to have a TB test done. This can be done at the Health Center or at the student’s family physician. The students can bring the results to us or have them faxed to our office. Some schools and pre-schools are requiring TB tests for field experience students. We will notify the students who will be affected by this. I would imagine that all schools will require this within the next year or two. Again, this is not a Miami requirement; it is a school safety issue.
I realize that students have a lot of expenses, but the background check is going to be a permanent fixture in the licensing of future educators, just like licensing fees and organizational memberships are for most other professions. It is just a reality of our profession.
Please make sure students know that they must get BOTH BCI and FBI background checks done before going out into the Pre-K – 12 schools.
Thank you,
Ellen


Ellen E. Hill
Director of Clinical Experiences
School of Education, Health, and Society
Miami University
202 McGuffey Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
Phone: 513-529-7245
Fax: 513-529-1763