Albuquerque Public Schools
Background Checks for Providers
Agency providers who have agreements through APS and must follow this process to complete their background checks.
Need Help?
Contact by phone at (505) 884-6398 if you have questions or need assistance.
About This Process
This process is for agency and independent providers with agreements through APS.
- Mental health providers
- Nursing and counseling interns
- Before/after-school providers
Getting Started
Step 1: Start the Provider Application Process
Email the following information to SFCS.Clearance@aps.edu
- Provider/Volunteer Name (As shown on photo ID)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Job Title
- Agency
- APS School location(s) you will be providing services in
Step 2: Background Check/Fingerprinting Payment and Scheduling
- Fingerprinting is done through appointment only.
- Provider/volunteer will be emailed with the background check/fingerprinting payment instructions and a link to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
- After the provider/volunteer receives the instructions, they go to City Center, Room 105 East for processing and to complete the fingerprinting Appointment. Remember to bring the Idemia application receipt and your driver's license to the appointment.
Step 3: Wait for Clearance
Once the fingerprinting process is completed, it can take 2 to 3 weeks for the clearance to be approved or denied. Once processing is complete, APS will contact the provider's agency to notify them of their clearance status.
- If the clearance is approved, the provider or agency will be notified about the badge pick-up process.
- If the clearance is denied, the provider/agency will be notified but cannot divulge the reason for denial.
- The individual whose clearance was denied may contact APS Fingerprinting to dispute the denial.
- The provider will not be issued a badge until their clearance is approved.
Step 4: Badge Pick-up
- An APS representative will reach out to schedule an appointment with the provider or agency to pick up the provider/volunteer badge(s).
- Note: Approved clearances are valid for 2 years from the date of approval.
Rules about Access to APS Students and Schools
Access to Students
- Principals have the right to refuse access to students in their school to any outside provider.
- Providers must have school principal/designee approval prior to rending services at all school sites.
Approval During School Hours
A principal may determine on a daily basis whether it is appropriate for the provider to see students, e.g., a principal may refuse access to students during testing.
Badge Rules
- Providers are required to wear their APS badge on APS campuses at all times.
- Badges expire two years from the date of clearance. Providers must be re-fingerprinted every two years to continue providing services.
- School staff may request a picture ID to verify the provider's identity.
School Behavior
- Providers working during school hours must comply with the school check-in or sign-in process.
- Providers must present professionally in appearance and behavior.
- Providers have a limited scope of work and are not "at-will" to provide additional services or school-related functions.