Blank Act 24 Pde 6004 PDF Template

1. What is the Act 24 PDE-6004 form?

   The Act 24 PDE-6004 form, developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is a document that current and prospective employees of public and private schools, intermediate units, and area vocational-technical schools must complete. It requires these individuals to report any arrest or conviction for offenses outlined under sections 1-111(e) and (f.1) of the Pennsylvania School Code. The purpose is to ensure the safety and welfare of students.

2. Who needs to submit the Act 24 PDE-6004 form?

   Both current and prospective employees of Pennsylvania’s public or private schools, intermediate units, and area vocational-technical schools are required to submit this form. It includes teachers, administrative staff, and other personnel who have direct contact with students. If there has been an arrest or conviction for a reportable offense, the form must be filled out and submitted.

3. What offenses need to be reported on this form?

   Reportable offenses include, but are not limited to, crimes such as criminal homicide, aggravated assault, stalking, kidnapping, rape, sexual assault, endangering the welfare of children, and certain felony drug offenses. It also includes offenses that are similar in nature committed in other jurisdictions. Detailed descriptions are provided in the instructions of the form for clarity.

4. How is "similar in nature" defined for offenses committed in other jurisdictions?

   Offenses committed in other jurisdictions are considered "similar in nature" to those listed in the form if they substantially correspond to the specified criminal acts under Pennsylvania law. This includes equivalent offenses under federal law, laws of other states, and international law which reflect the same criminal intent and actions as those outlined as reportable offenses.

5. What happens if an employee does not report an arrest or conviction on the PDE-6004 form?

   Failing to accurately report any arrest or conviction for a reportable offense on the PDE-6004 form is a serious issue. It can lead to criminal prosecution under the statute related to unsworn falsification to authorities. Moreover, it can result in disciplinary actions by the employer, including termination of employment.

6. Is there a deadline by which the PDE-6004 form must be submitted?

   According to the requirements, the form must be submitted within 72 hours after an arrest or conviction for a reportable offense. This prompt reporting is crucial for the maintenance of a safe educational environment.

7. What exemptions exist for submitting the PDE-6004 form?

   Any current employee who completed a PDE-6004 form on or before December 27, 2011, and has not since been arrested for or convicted of a reportable offense is exempt from completing an additional form. This exemption recognizes the compliance of long-standing employees with previous reporting requirements.

8. Where should the completed PDE-6004 form be submitted?

   The form should be submitted to the administrator or person responsible for employment decisions within the school entity. Contacting your supervisor or the school entity’s administration office can provide specific guidance on where to submit the document within your particular organization.

9. What information must be included for each reportable offense on the form?

   For every reportable arrest or conviction, the form requires detailed information including the nature of the offense, the date and location of the arrest or conviction, the docket number, and the court involved. If necessary, additional attachments may be used to provide a comprehensive report.

10. Can the PDE-6004 form be submitted electronically?

    The instructions do not specify electronic submission options. To ensure compliance, individuals should fill out the form using ink and submit it as directed by their school entity. However, contacting the respective school’s administration office may provide current information on accepted submission methods, including any electronic options that may be available.

Filling out the Act 24 PDE-6004 form is a critical process for employees and prospective employees in Pennsylvania's education sector. However, mistakes can happen. Here are six common errors that should be avoided to ensure the form is completed correctly:

1. Not Reporting a Conviction: A common mistake is not reporting a past arrest or conviction for a reportable offense. This omission can have serious legal implications and potentially impact employment status.

2. Using Non-Legible Handwriting: Filling out the form with handwriting that is hard to read can cause significant issues, such as inaccurate processing or additional verification steps, delaying the overall process.

3. Incomplete Details: Skipping details such as the date, location of arrest or conviction, docket number, and the court involved is another frequent error. Complete information is crucial for accurate record-keeping.

4. Ignoring Instructions for Additional Attachments: For those with more than one reportable offense, failing to provide details on additional attachments as necessary can result in incomplete disclosure, potentially leading to complications.

5. Not Signing the Form: It might seem basic, but forgetting to sign the form or date it is a common oversight. The signature certifies the truthfulness and completeness of the information provided, making it an essential part of the process.

6. Wrongly Assuming Exemptions: Some individuals may wrongly assume they don't need to complete the form based on previous completions or misunderstandings of the criteria for reporting. It's important to review the current requirements and exemptions carefully.

Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure the process is smooth and adheres to the necessary legal and employment requirements. Always double-check your information and when in doubt, consult the form’s instructions or seek guidance to clarify any confusion.

Completing the Act 24 PDE 6004 form is a crucial step for individuals seeking employment within Pennsylvania's educational sector, as it requires the disclosure of any arrests or convictions for offenses deemed relevant by the state. To support the thorough and accurate completion of this form, applicants might also need to prepare and submit additional documents. Below is a list of other forms and documents often used to supplement the information provided in the Act 24 PDE 6004 form.

• Act 34 Clearance: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check. This document provides a report of any criminal history recorded by the Pennsylvania State Police.
• Act 151 Clearance: Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services. It shows any recorded history of child abuse, ensuring that those working with children have not been involved in child abuse cases.
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance: Federal criminal history reported via fingerprint submission. It covers any criminal history that might exist outside of Pennsylvania.
• Act 168 Form: Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release. This form allows employers to request information on any findings of abuse or sexual misconduct from previous employers.
• Professional References: Letters or forms that provide feedback on an applicant's past work performance and character from professional references.
• Proof of Education: Such as transcripts or diplomas, to verify the completion of educational requirements relevant to the position.
• Teaching Certificate: For positions that require a specific teaching certification, a copy of the valid certificate must be presented.
• Identity Verification Documents: Including a driver's license or passport to prove identity.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Providing detailed information about an applicant's education, work experience, and skills.

These documents collectively form a comprehensive profile of an applicant, providing school administrators with the necessary information to make informed hiring decisions. It is imperative for applicants to gather and submit all pertinent documents promptly to ensure a smooth and efficient hiring process.

• The FBI Background Check form is similar to the Act 24 PDE 6004 form in that both forms are used to disclose criminal history. The FBI Background Check, also known as the Identity History Summary Check, requires individuals to provide fingerprints to pull a report of their criminal history across all states, akin to how Act 24 form requires reporting of arrests or convictions. Both are crucial for employment purposes, especially in sensitive sectors.

• The Child Abuse Clearance form required by many states for positions involving contact with children bears resemblance to the Act 24 PDE 6004 form. This form screens for any history of child abuse, paralleling the Act 24 form's focus on certain types of offenses, specifically those that might endanger children, ensuring a safe environment for students.

• State Police Criminal Record Checks are similar to the Act 24 PDE 6004 form. Many states require state-specific criminal record checks for employment in sensitive positions. These checks focus on convictions and arrests within the state, similar to the Act 24 form's requirement for employees to report certain offenses, aiming to ensure safety and integrity within the workplace.

• The Declaration of Criminal History form, often part of job application processes, requires applicants to voluntarily disclose their criminal history. It parallels the Act 24 PDE 6004 form in its purpose, which is to gather information on an individual's past criminal activity to assess suitability for employment, specifically within roles that demand high moral character.

• The Self-Disclosure of Criminal Convictions form used by universities and colleges for admissions or employment closely mirrors the Act 24 PDE 6004 form. Both forms require detailed disclosure of the individual's criminal history, focusing primarily on offenses that could disqualify them from being in environments with vulnerable populations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Filling out the Act 24 Pde 6004 form requires attention to detail and understanding its importance in the hiring process for those seeking employment within Pennsylvania's educational sector. If you are preparing this form, whether for yourself or on behalf of someone else, there are critical dos and don'ts to consider to ensure the information is accurately and appropriately conveyed.

Things You Should Do

• Read the instructions carefully before starting the form. This step is crucial for understanding how to correctly report any arrests or convictions, ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania's educational employment regulations.
• Provide all required personal information legibly, using ink. This includes your full legal name, date of birth, and any former names by which you have been identified, facilitating a thorough check and verification process.
• Accurately report any arrest or conviction for offenses listed under 24 P.S. §§1-111(e) or (f.1). This entails checking the appropriate box in Section 2 and detailing each arrest or conviction, including the date, location, offense, docket number, and applicable court.
• Sign and date the certification section (Section 4) to affirm under penalty of law that the statements made are true, correct, and complete, confirming your compliance with the procedures set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Things You Shouldn't Do

• Avoid providing incomplete or vague information regarding your personal details or any reportable offenses. The lack of clarity could lead to processing delays or jeopardize your employment within the educational sector.
• Do not overlook the list of reportable offenses provided in the instructions. Familiarizing yourself with this list ensures you do not unknowingly omit relevant information that could result in criminal prosecution.
• Resist the temptation to guess details about any reportable offenses if you are uncertain. Instead, seek out the correct information to avoid unintentional inaccuracies that could be viewed as an attempt to deceive.
• Never leave the certification section unsigned or undated. This omission could invalidate your entire submission, as your signature and the date provide legal affirmation that you have provided complete and truthful information.

By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can navigate the process with confidence, ensuring that their PDE-6004 form showcases their readiness and eligibility for employment within Pennsylvania's educational institutions with integrity and thoroughness.

Understanding the Act 24 PDE-6004 form is critical for current and prospective employees in public and private educational institutions in Pennsylvania. However, over time, several misconceptions have arisen regarding its purpose, requirements, and procedures. Here, we debunk some of the most common misunderstandings.

• It's only for public school employees: This statement is incorrect. The Act 24 PDE-6004 form is mandatory for both public and private school employees, including those working at intermediate units and area vocational-technical schools.

• One-time completion: The misconception that this form needs to be completed only once disregards the necessity for employees to submit updates following any new arrest or conviction for a reportable offense.

• Only Pennsylvania offenses matter: Another common mistake is the belief that only offenses committed in Pennsylvania need to be reported. In fact, the form requires the disclosure of relevant offenses under the laws of any jurisdiction, including other states and countries.

• Minor infractions are reportable: There is confusion about what needs to be disclosed. Only arrests or convictions for specific reportable offenses listed under 24 P.S. §§1-111(e) or (f.1) must be reported, not minor infractions or unrelated crimes.

• Personal judgment is sufficient for reporting: Relying on personal judgment about what is a reportable offense can lead to errors. The instructions clearly define which offenses need to be reported, removing ambiguity from the process.

• All misdemeanors need to be reported: Not all misdemeanors are subject to reporting—only those specified as reportable offenses or misdemeanors of the first degree under certain conditions.

• The form is only for current offenses: A misunderstanding exists that only current arrests or convictions need to be reported. However, any past offense meeting the reporting criteria must also be disclosed.

• Submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Education: Rather than submitting the form directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), it actually needs to be provided to the administrator or person responsible for employment decisions at the school entity.

• Electronic signatures are acceptable: The instructions specify that all information must be provided legibly in ink, implying that original signatures are necessary, and purely electronic submissions may not be compliant.

• Immediate reporting is not crucial: The notion that there’s plenty of time to report after an arrest or conviction is false. The form specifies a 72-hour window for reporting any new relevant arrest or conviction.

By dispelling these misconceptions, individuals can better understand their obligations under the Act 24 requirements, ensuring that they remain in compliance and maintain their eligibility for employment within Pennsylvania's educational institutions.

When it comes to the Act 24 PDE 6004 form, there are several key takeaways that individuals need to be aware of for a smooth and compliant process. This form is a vital document for current and prospective employees in schools across Pennsylvania, aiming to maintain a safe educational environment. Understanding these takeaways will ensure that you can fill out and use this form effectively.

• Report of Arrest or Conviction: If you've been arrested or convicted of an offense listed under 24 P.S. §§1-111(e) or (f.1), you must report it. The form requires detailed information about each arrest or conviction, including the offense, date, location, docket number, and court. This information is crucial to maintain transparency and ensure safety in educational environments.
• Certification Section: By signing the Act 24 PDE 6004 form, you're certifying that all information provided is true, correct, and complete. It's imperative to understand that any false statement can lead to criminal prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. §4904. This underscores the importance of accuracy and honesty in the reporting process.
• Immediate Reporting: Current and prospective employees are required to use this form to report any arrest or conviction for an offense listed in the form within 72 hours. This prompt reporting requirement ensures that educational institutions can take necessary actions to maintain a safe environment for students.
• List of Reportable Offenses: The form includes a comprehensive list of reportable offenses, ranging from severe crimes like criminal homicide and sexual assault to drug-related felonies. Understanding which offenses are reportable is crucial for compliance. This list also helps in identifying offenses that might seem unrelated but are crucial to report due to their nature.
• Submission Instructions: The completed form must be submitted to the administrator or person responsible for employment decisions within the school entity. If you are uncertain about who to submit the form to, it's recommended to contact your supervisor or the school's administration office for guidance. This ensures that the form reaches the appropriate hands for further action.

Overall, the Act 24 PDE 6004 form plays a critical role in the hiring and ongoing employment processes within Pennsylvania's educational system. Compliance with this requirement not only adheres to legal standards but also contributes to creating a safer environment for students and staff.