In Canada, working with children is a responsibility that comes with significant expectations and requirements, particularly regarding safety and trust. Whether you’re a teacher, daycare worker, coach, camp counsellor or volunteer who works with children, a criminal background record check is often a crucial part of the hiring process.

But what does this entail? In this blog, we will unpack the types of jobs that require these checks, the categories of checks available, and how to navigate the process efficiently.

Many roles in childcare and education require a criminal record check.

Here are some of the common ones:

  • Teachers and Educators: ECE, kindergarten to high school, college, and university educators are entrusted with the well-being and development of children.
  • Daycare Providers: These childcare professionals care for younger children in private homes and childcare centers.
  • Tutors and Coaches: These professionals work with children of all ages in a school or home-based setting, individually or in a group.
  • Summer Camp and Program Counsellors: With summer right around the corner, summer program providers will recruit counsellors who usually work closely with children.
  • Volunteers: Many organizations involve volunteers in youth programs, where a check is necessary to safeguard the children’s interests.

Several factors will determine what type of criminal background check you will need. First, the nature of your role in correlation to the children you care for. Will you be alone with the children? Will care be provided during 1:1 or group interactions? Is the profession/job itself regulated (this means a particular criminal record check may be required by law)? The organization itself may stipulate the type of check they want and who you can obtain it from.

Types of Criminal Record Checks

In Canada, there are primarily three types of criminal record checks:

   1.  Name-Based Checks: This type searches public records based on the individual’s name and date of birth. These criminal background checks are the most straightforward and can be obtained online through providers like tritoncanada.ca.

   2.  Fingerprint-Based Checks: This involves collecting and submitting fingerprints to the RCMP for checks. While these checks provide more information, they take longer to process. It’s often required for specific roles that demand higher scrutiny.

   3.  Vulnerable Sector Checks: This is a special type of check necessary for positions working with vulnerable populations, including children. It checks the individual’s criminal record and looks for any sexual offences.

As mentioned earlier in this blog, in some provinces, specific roles mandate background checks as a legal requirement. For instance, teachers in Ontario must undergo a vulnerable sector check before being certified. However, in many cases, organizations may request criminal record checks even when not legally required. For example, a daycare center may prefer to conduct checks on all its employees, regardless of provincial mandates, to ensure maximal safety. In these instances, an online RCMP criminal record check from Triton Canada often suffices, saving you a trip to the police station.

This divergence can lead to confusion. We always recommend that you first confirm with the organization or regulator what type of check is necessary for your role and whether they require you to obtain it through a particular provider.

With a fee of around $59.99 (with Triton Canada), before committing, we want to re-enforce that you understand:

  • What type of background check do you need?
  • Whether the organization requires a check from a specific provider or if any accredited source offering RCMP checks is sufficient.

This knowledge will save you time and money, ensuring you pick the right option tailored to your needs.

In conclusion, being prepared for the need for a criminal record check is crucial for anyone entering the childcare and education sector in Canada. Understanding what type of check you need, discerning the legal mandates and organizational policies, and selecting the right provider can streamline your hiring process while ensuring the safety of the children you work with.

As you step forward on your career path, remember that the safety and trust you build with families and children start with verifying your background. Working with a trusted Canadian provider like Triton will give you peace of mind and ensure you invest your money wisely as you embark on this rewarding journey of working with children. For more information about obtaining a background check online or via our mobile app, visit www.tritoncanada.ca.