What to Expect and How the Process Works
As part of the TEFA vendor approval process, certain service vendors must complete a fingerprint-based criminal history review for individuals who will interact with participating children.
Who Must Be Fingerprinted
Any vendor offering direct services to participating children must complete fingerprinting requirements for applicable personnel.
This includes services such as:
• Tutoring
• Therapy services
• Music lessons
• Live instruction
• Any other service that involves interaction with a participating child
All personnel who will interact with a participating child by reason of their employment must complete a criminal history review.
This applies to:
• In-person interactions
• Online or virtual sessions
• Electronic communication
If an individual will have any form of interaction with a participating child, fingerprinting is required. PDSES pre-approved vendors do not need to provide fingerprinting.
Please note: All individuals must complete fingerprinting through the TEFA program, even if they have been recently fingerprinted elsewhere. Prior fingerprinting from another program, employer, or background check does not satisfy this requirement.
Information Required in the Vendor Application
During the application process, vendors must provide the following information for each individual who will interact with participating children:
• Full legal name
• Email address
• Date of birth
• SSN
• Applicable license or certification number, if required
• Name of the licensure or certification issuing entity
All information must be accurate and complete. Incorrect or missing details may delay the fingerprinting process.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application
Once your vendor application status updates to “Approved – Pending Fingerprint,” the fingerprinting process begins.
Step 1: Email Notification
Upon application review, each listed individual will receive an email with instructions to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
Step 2: Schedule and Complete Fingerprinting
Individuals must:
• Schedule their appointment using the instructions provided
• Attend the appointment and complete the fingerprinting process
• Fingerprinting will cost $37
Step 3: Review by the Comptroller’s Office
After fingerprinting is completed:
• The Comptroller’s Office receives the results directly
• Results are reviewed in accordance with program requirements
Please note: Vendors do not submit fingerprint results themselves.
Compliance Requirements
Vendors may only allow individuals who have been fully approved by the program to interact with participating children.
Allowing an individual to interact with a child before approval violates program requirements and may result in:
Suspension from the program
Additional compliance action
Plan accordingly to ensure all required personnel complete fingerprinting promptly.
Best Practices
To support a smooth process:
Identify all applicable personnel early
Confirm email addresses before submitting the application
Notify team members to watch for fingerprinting instructions
Encourage prompt scheduling of appointments
Remind personnel that recent fingerprinting from another source does not satisfy the program requirement
We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain a safe and compliant program for participating children. If you have questions about fingerprinting requirements or your application status, please contact Vendor Support.