CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS with Vulnerable Sector Screening
All Teacher Candidates must have a clear Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) prior to beginning any community or school-based placement.
Regardless of where you are placed, you must
- Obtain your Criminal Background Check with VSS from the police service in your home city or region.
- Provide photo ID as proof of your permanent address in your home city or district (e.g. driver's licence).
We strongly recommend that all TCs order TWO COPIES of their Criminal Background Check with VSS. Some school boards retain the original and you should always keep an original copy in a safe place to present in your school or community placement if asked.
Click on the Police Service link below or search the name of your local police service online for more information.
Toronto Police Service – (For TCs who have a permanent residence in Toronto ONLY -Postal Code beginning with M).
Toronto Police Services has launched a new online application system for Police Record Checks – including Vulnerable Sector Screenings. Use this link to access the Toronto Police Services website to apply for your Criminal Background Check with VSS: https://www.tps.ca/services/police-record-checks/
**You will need a unique organization code to apply. Email vss@edu.yorku.ca to obtain this code.
Peel Regional Police - Click this link to access the Peel Regional Police website for Criminal Background Checks with VSS.
York Regional Police - Click this link to access the York Regional Police website for Criminal Background Checks with VSS.
COMMUNITY PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Unless otherwise notified by the Community Organization, please bring an original and a photocopy of your Criminal Background Check with VSS on your first day of placement. For online placements, please check with your specific community placement contact person for submission protocols.
SCHOOL BOARD PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
If you are unsure of your Board placement, please check the Practicum Management Information System (PIMS) using your Passport York Login.
Toronto District School Board (TDSB) - Please follow TDSB's processes for Criminal Record Check (VSS) Submission: PRC - Sept 2022 Practicum Info.
Peel District School Board (PDSB) - Please follow PDSB's processes for Criminal Record Check (VSS) Submission: Information Sheet for the Applicant 22-23. Please access the Peel DSB website for full details. You must also attach your "proof of completion" certificate for the Health & Safety At Work e-Learning Video when you submit your Background Check. The Board will not accept your Criminal Background Check without it. The Peel Board will keep your original Criminal Background Check. Therefore, TCs assigned to Peel DSB must order 2 original copies. Keep the second copy in a safe place in case you are required to present it in the future.
Peel DSB requires all TCs placed in their board to sign and submit a Signature Attestation Form.
All other boards require that TCs bring the original copy on the first day in placement. Do not surrender your original copy to the school, rather show the original to the Site Coordinator or Principal then keep the original in your binder and offer to provide the school with a photocopy.
Teacher Candidates who have not complied with board regulations or who do not have a valid original Criminal Background Check (VSS) in their possession will be denied access to placement.
Adjudication of any matters related to the Criminal Background Check is the sole responsibility of the assigned school board. Boards have the ultimate responsibility for the care and safety of their students, and final determination of who may enter school premises.
