IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
FOR EDU 203/204 STUDENTS
ABOUT FINGERPRINTING



As a student in EDU 203/204 Child Care Curriculum Development/Field Experience 1 and 2, you are REQUIRED to be fingerprinted and cleared. There are two (2) ways to accomplish this:

OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services):

* Fill out one (1) purple fingerprint card.
* Contact host site for CCFS number (#20) and name and address (#24).
* Go to local police station and get fingerprinted.
* DO NOT FOLD OR LEAVE STRAY MARKS ON FINGERPRINT CARDS!
* Mail completed fingerprint card to address on card before June 30.

If you choose to be fingerprinted through OCFS, you do not have to pay a fee at this time. However, your fingerprints will be on file with OCFS only. This means that if you choose to work in a public school in New York State or decide to pursue teacher certification in New York State at a later date, you will need to be fingerprinted again through NYSED (see below).

NYSED (New York State Education Department)

* Read OSPRA Form 100 carefully.
* Complete OSPRA Consent Form 101 (sections 1, 2 and 5. In section 2 check the first box for certification).
* Fill out two (2) blue fingerprint cards.
* Go to local police station and get fingerprinted.
* DO NOT FOLD OR LEAVE STRAY MARKS ON FINGERPRINT CARDS!
* Mail both fingerprint cards, OSPRA Form 101, and a certified or bank check or money order for $94.25 in the enclosed addressed envelope.

If you choose to be fingerprinted through NYSED, you need to pay a fee. However, your fingerprints will remain on file with NYS indefinitely. If you should choose to work for a public school in New York State, you should not need to be fingerprinted again. Unfortunately, agencies in NYS do not share fingerprint information. Therefore, if you choose to pursue a career with a private preschool or other agency, you may need to be fingerprinted again.

Please consider your options carefully and choose one or both. The choice is yours. If you have any questions, call Dianne Gersbeck at 845-341-4054.