Background Check Process
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      3. Background Check Process

      Background Check Process

      Find everything you need in order to complete your background check to Tutor for BookNook.

      Introduction

      BookNook partners directly with school districts/agencies, not individual families. To ensure student safety, our school partners require BookNook tutors to pass background checks similar to what their current educators complete. 

      Each state has its own regulations we must follow which means you may be asked to complete multiple background checks as a tutor with us.

      Important: BookNook covers the cost of the background check fees you incur through either a coupon code or payroll reimbursement.

      Getting Started

      A majority of our upcoming programs for the 23-24 school year will be with school districts in Michigan, so all newly qualified tutors will be directed to complete this background check process first.

      Newly qualified tutors: You will receive an email with the subject "Background Check Instructions" within 2 business days of passing your interview. Please refer to the instructions in the email to get the process started. Background checks can take up to 6-8 weeks to fully process (depending on the state agency) so we recommend you start now so you can begin tutoring ASAP. 

      Existing tutors: If you passed your interview before August 2023, please email bntutoring@booknook.com to obtain instructions for getting started. 

      A note about Michigan clearances: The process consists of 2 parts - fingerprints and district-required documents. Tutors only need to complete the process to have fingerprints on file with the state one time for BookNook.  However, each district requires tutors to complete forms that grant the district permission to access the state results. Therefore, after the initial Michigan clearance, tutors should expect to hear from BookNook throughout the year regarding new forms to complete. 

      Additional Background Checks

      As we identify a need for additional tutors to be cleared for additional programs based on projected program volume, we will reach out to you with instructions specific to those states. 

      Instructions for US Citizens or US Permanent Residents living outside of the US

      If you are living outside of the US, but are a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, your background check progress will look a little bit different. Click here to learn more.


      Use these links to jump to parts on this page: 

      Checking your background check status(es)

      1. Locate the email in your email inbox with the subject line: "Unique Identifier-State Fingerprinting/Background Checks for BookNook Tutoring." This email contains your unique identifier number for tracking the status of your fingerprint/background check in each state. Unique identifier numbers are sent every Friday. If you started the process of completing a background check on Monday-Thursday, you will receive your unique identifier on a Friday. 
      2. Then Check the Fingerprint/Background Check Tracker to see whether your background check has cleared. 
      3. The instructions for each state will indicate the average amount of time it takes for that state's clearance. 

      Please note: If you have not received your unique identifier to check on your clearance statuses, please check your junk/spam folder for this email: Unique Identifier-State Fingerprinting/Background Checks for BookNook Tutoring.  If you have still not received an email after waiting the appropriate time mentioned above and have also checked your junk folder, email us at BNTutoring@booknook.com to get help!

      Reimbursements

      BookNook reimburses for background check fees (fingerprinting and processing). Expenses such as postage, parking, or mileage are not reimbursed. Complete this form and attach the appropriate receipt(s). Approved payments will be processed on the next payroll cycle. 

      We're Here to Help! How to Get Support. 

      After reading through and following all of the instructions, if you still have questions, please feel free to either email us at BNTutoring@booknook.com or attend the BookNook Tutor Office Hours over Zoom video dedicated to answering your individualized questions.  Our office hours schedule can be found here.