Background Check Process

Each District/Zone has their own specific background check process.

Follow the instructions provided for each district/zone or reach out to the school district contact listed for assistance.

Reference Check (Tutors between the ages of 16 - 17)

Instructions:
  1. The candidate instead must submit a recommendation form.
  2. Submit the completed form back to AR Kids Read by emailing backgroundck@arkidsread.org
  3. Reference form is valid for one year

Questions?

Contact AR Kids Read at info@arkidsread.org or call 501-244-2661

Catholic Diocese of Little Rock

Instructions:
  1. Fill out and submit background check application via online portal
  2. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation. Send clearance confirmation to AR Kids Read by email to backgroundck@arkidsread.org
  3. Catholic Diocese background check is valid for five years with the school district, but AR Kids Read requires the background check to be rerun every three years.
Questions?
Contact Janeth or Alondra at 501-565-3855

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Instructions:
    1. Fill out and submit background check application via online portal
    2. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation from the school district. Send clearance confirmation to AR Kids Read by emailing to backgroundck@arkidsread.org
    3. JNPSD background check is valid for one year

Questions

Contact Stephanie Lee at slee@jnpsd.org or call 501-241-2080

Little Rock School District

Instructions:
  1. Fill out and submit background check application via online portal
  2. Once cleared, you will receive an email and/or mail confirmation from the school district. Send clearance confirmation to AR Kids Read by emailing to backgroundck@arkidsread.org
  3. LRSD background check is valid for five years with the school district but AR Kids Read requires the background check to be rerun every three years.

Questions?

Contact Jackie Merrell at Jacquelyn.merrell@lrsd.org or call 501-447-4454

    North Little Rock School District

    Instructions:
    1. Fill out and submit background check application via online portal
    2. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation from the school district. Send clearance confirmation to AR Kids Read by emailing to backgroundck@arkidsread.org
    3. NLRSD background check is valid for one year

    Questions?

    Contact Sarah Roberson at robersons@nlrsd.org or call 501-771-8013

    Out of School Programs

    Life Skills for Youth Instructions ONLY

    Instructions:
    1. Life Skills for Youth requires FBI fingerprint background checks (valid for 5 years) and Child Maltreatment and McMat Criminal Background Check (valid for 2 years). This is required based on the licensing agreement with the Department of Human Services.
    2. Contact Mrs. Elosie at (501) 416-2279, to arrange a time to complete background checks in person at Life Skills for Youth, 13000 West Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72210.
    3. Bring a current (not expired) state ID or Driver's license. If you have an out-of-state ID, please inform Mrs. Eloise.
    4. Once cleared, Life Skills for Youth will inform AR Kids Read.

    Questions?

    Contact Mrs. Eloise at (501) 416-2279

    All Other Out of School Sites

    Instructions:
    1. Fill out both the McMat and Child Maltreatment Applications
    2. Submit both completed applications to AR Kids Read team by emailing backgroundck@arkidsread.org
    3. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation from the AR Kids Read team
    4. OSP background check is valid for three years

    Questions?

    Contact AR Kids Read at info@arkidsread.org or call 501-244-2661

    Pine Bluff School District

    Instructions:
    1. Fill out both the McMat and Child Maltreatment Applications
    2. Submit both completed applications to AR Kids Read team by emailing backgroundck@arkidsread.org
    3. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation from the AR Kids Read team
    4. PBSD background check is valid for three years

    Questions?

    Contact AR Kids Read at info@arkidsread.org or call 501-244-2661

    Pulaski County Special School District

    Instructions:
    1. Fill out and submit background check application via online portal
    2. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation from the school district. Send clearance confirmation to AR Kids Read by emailing to backgroundck@arkidsread.org
    3. PCCSD background check is valid for three years

    Questions?

    Contact: Dominique L. Phillips at dphillips1738@pcssd.org or call 501-234-2046

    Watson Chapel School District

    Two-Part Instructions

    1. Fill out and submit the McMat Application to Sara James (WCSD Secretary) at sjames@wcmail.k12.ar.us
    2. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation from the school district. Send clearance confirmation to AR Kids Read by emailing backgroundck@arkidsread.org
    3. WCSD background check is valid for one year
    Questions? Contact Sara James at sjames@wcmail.k12.ar.us or call 870-212-0220.
    1. Fill out the Child Maltreatment Application
    2. Submit completed applications to the AR Kids Read team by emailing backgroundck@arkidsread.org
    3. Once cleared, you will receive an email confirmation from the AR Kids Read team
    4. Child Maltreatment background check is valid for three years
    Already completed the Child Maltreatment screening in the last three years. You don't need to do it again. Not sure if yours is still current? Email us at info@arkidsread.org and we'll check for you.