A question about working at child care center

Question

This sounds awful, but I have a felony conviction for trafficking in stolen property. This happened years ago, I was a drug addict and have since been clean 3 years and Iam going to college working on my bachelors degree in Human services. Iam going for an interview today at a child care center but am nervous about my felony on my record. Do you think they will hire?

Answer 1

It really depends upon where you live and who is interviewing you.  I know that they hire people with felonies in some areas (as long as they are not felonies related to children).  I would be honest and forthcoming with the information (if/when they ask) and specify that you have made major life changes when given the chance.  Don't be nervous about it.  We all make mistakes.  Good luck.

Answer 2

It depends on the person who is in charge of hiring.  I would be up front with them and tell them at the interview.  Chances are they won't check your record until after they have considered you the best candidate and if they find out when your record comes back they will feel like you weren't being honest.

Make sure you discuss it at your interview, let them know you made poor choices and were going their a rough stage in your life.  I wouldn't tell them "I was a drug addict."  If you feel like you need to tell them of your substance abuse, put it in a nicer way.

Answer 3

most centers in most states are required to do a crimminal background check through child protective services and/or the state highway patrol (fingerprints required here).  so your crime will show up.  if it is not a barrier crime (rape, murder, assault, etc) then you may have a chance.  if it was a barrier crime then no center can hire you.  as far as cps goes, if it comes back as a 'founded' investigation then they can not hire you, but if it's 'unfounded' then you are ok.  chances are if the cps was not involved then you are ok there.  seems you will just have to see what comes up with the crimminal background check and speak honestly with the director.   did you serve time or probation?  that could make a difference also.  good luck.