Because “Trust But Verify” Is More Than Just a Motto
Homeschool businesses are built on trust—trust from families, trust among staff and volunteers, and trust that nobody is going to use glitter as a food group. But when you’re working with kids, “We think they’re probably fine” doesn’t quite cut it. That’s where background checks come in.
Whether you’re running a co-op, microschool, enrichment center, or even just hosting a weekly nature club, background checks are part of creating a safe and professional environment. Yes, they sound official. Yes, they involve paperwork. But no, they don’t mean you’re turning into the HR department from a corporate thriller. You’re just doing your due diligence—and that’s a good thing.
Why Do Homeschool Businesses Need Background Checks?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: you’re working with children. In most states, that automatically raises the bar for safety and oversight.
Background checks help:
- Protect students and families
- Reduce liability for your business
- Build trust with your community
- Meet insurance or legal requirements (because some insurers require checks for coverage)
It’s not about assuming the worst in people—it’s about ensuring the best for everyone involved. And let’s be real: parents feel a lot better handing over their kids when they know you’ve checked who’s in the room.
Who Needs to Be Background Checked?
Great question. The answer? Pretty much anyone with direct or regular access to children. This includes:
- Lead teachers or facilitators
- Teaching assistants or aides
- Volunteers (yes, even the sweet grandma who brings muffins)
- Guest instructors or speakers
- Field trip chaperones (if they’re unsupervised with students)
- Admin staff who supervise or interact with students in any capacity
Pro tip: “But they’re just helping out for one day” isn’t a solid exemption. Kids don’t know the difference between a full-time teacher and a random adult with snacks and clipboard access.
Types of Background Checks (A Choose-Your-Own-Safety Adventure)
There’s more than one way to run a background check, depending on your state laws, budget, and level of risk:
1. Basic Criminal History Check
Looks for past arrests, convictions, and sometimes driving records. This is the most common option and often available through third-party services.
2. National Sex Offender Registry Check
A must-have when working with children. Quick, simple, and often free online through the NSOPW.
3. Fingerprinting / FBI Background Check
This is required in some states for educators or youth program workers. It’s more thorough—and a little more of a hassle—but excellent for high-trust roles.
4. State-Specific Child Abuse or Neglect Registries
Some states maintain their own databases to flag individuals with prior involvement in abuse or neglect investigations.
Check your state’s requirements, especially if you’re a nonprofit or planning to apply for grants—some funding sources require more rigorous screening.
How to Run Background Checks (Without Turning Into a Detective)
No trench coat or magnifying glass needed. Here’s how most homeschool businesses manage it:
- Pick a reputable service:
Look for providers that specialize in working with schools, nonprofits, or youth organizations (e.g., Checkr, Sterling Volunteers, or Verified First). - Get consent:
You must have written permission from the person being checked. This is not the time for surprises. - Know what you’re looking for:
Decide in advance what disqualifies someone. Violent crimes? Recent drug offenses? Fraud? Make your standards clear and consistent. - Keep it confidential:
Store results securely, share only with those who need to know, and handle any issues with care and professionalism.
What If Something Shows Up?
First, don’t panic. A background check is a tool, not a magic 8-ball. If something concerning appears, assess it carefully:
- Was it recent?
- Was it related to working with children?
- Was it a one-time offense or a pattern?
- Has the person addressed it, and are they upfront about it?
You’re allowed to say no. You’re also allowed to have a case-by-case review process—as long as it’s consistent, legal, and documented.
Costs and Logistics (Yes, There’s a Budget Line for This)
Background checks typically cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per person, depending on the type and depth. Some services offer bulk rates or discounts for nonprofits.
Options for covering the cost:
- Build it into your registration or supply fees
- Offer parents/staff the option to pay their own (common in co-ops)
- Apply for grants that fund youth safety and organizational support
- Consider it an annual business expense—because it is
Running background checks isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared. It’s about protecting the incredible community you’ve built and showing families you take safety seriously. Plus, nothing says “we’ve got our act together” like a clear, professional background check policy.
So, go forth and background check with confidence. You don’t need to be the FBI. Just be the person who cares enough to make sure everyone in your homeschool space is safe, supported, and showing up with the right intentions—and, preferably, no felonies.
