Families and Students
Main Contact Information
The Student Protection Resource Center provides information on disciplinary actions taken against school staff by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). This page also provides access to the Do Not Hire Registry, Educator Certificate Lookup, and information on how to report abuse, neglect or misconduct involving students.
Educators, school employees, parents, students, service providers, and community members can use this page to understand their legal responsibilities, how to report misconduct, the roles of schools and state agencies, and where to find required training, tools, and public resources related to protecting students.
Learn More
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Recognizing Abuse and Misconduct
Helps identify warning signs of abuse, neglect, and educator misconduct, including physical and behavioral indicators, boundary violations, grooming behaviors, institutional red flags, and considerations for students with disabilities.
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Educators' Duty to Protect Students
Explains reporting duties for suspected abuse, neglect, or trafficking; required training; protections for good‑faith reporting; and consequences for failing to report.
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Administrator Responsibilities
Describes the legal responsibilities of principals and superintendents related to student safety, including training, reporting obligations, required systems and documentation, and other compliance expectations.
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Educator Misconduct and Investigations
Describes what constitutes educator misconduct, TEA’s investigative authority, superintendent reporting requirements, the types of misconduct reviewed, and the investigation process from intake through resolution, including how criminal history reporting provides TEA with visibility into arrests of educators and school employees.
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Background Check, Fingerprinting, and Hiring Compliance Requirements
Provides an overview of background check and fingerprinting requirements for individuals working in Texas public schools, including who must be screened, required compliance certifications, pre‑employment affidavits, and consequences for failing to meet hiring requirements.
The Parent Support Hub helps Texas parents understand how public schools work, what to do when questions or concerns arise, and how to navigate the system with confidence.
Key Information About Texas Public Schools
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Enrollment in Texas Public Schools
Every child in Texas has the right to a free public education. Parents, guardians, or others standing in parental relation may enroll a child in the public school district where the child resides or choose another public option, such as a charter school.
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About School Boards
Every public school district in Texas is governed by a locally elected school board. School board members, often called trustees, are responsible for setting direction, adopting policies, and overseeing the district on behalf of the community.
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Begin by speaking with the person closest to the issue.
- Contact your child’s teacher, counselor, or campus administrator
- Share your concern and ask how it can be addressed
- Many issues can be resolved at this stage without taking formal action
If the concern is not resolved, the next step is your school district’s formal grievance process.
If your child receives special education services
You may still start by raising concerns with your school, but the next steps are different.
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Every school district is required to have a formal process for resolving concerns. Some issues must go through this process before they can be reviewed elsewhere.
What to expect
- Act promptly: You must file within 60 days of learning about the issue.
- Informal resolution: If you attempt to resolve the issue informally, you may have up to 90 days to file.
- Hearing timeline: The school or district must hold a grievance hearing within 10 days of submission.
- Notice: You will receive at least 5 business days’ notice before the hearing.
- Decision: You will receive a written decision within 20 days after the hearing.
Tips for filing
- Write down key details (dates, names, what happened)
- Keep copies of emails, messages, and notes
Where to find grievance information
- On the district’s website (look for “policies” or similar)
- In the student handbook
- Under these policy codes:
- FNG (LOCAL): student and parent grievances
- DGBA (LOCAL): employee grievances
- GF (LOCAL): grievances by others
Appeal a district decision to the commissioner of education
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If your concern is not resolved through the district’s grievance process, use the Parent Complaint Navigator to identify next steps. It asks a few quick questions and guides you to the right pathway—whether that is submitting a complaint to TEA or connecting you with another agency that can help. Most concerns must be addressed at the school or district level first.
About the general education complaints process
Types of concerns addressed by other agencies
Overview
Texas law requires background checks for many individuals who work in or around Texas public schools. These requirements help protect students and ensure that people working in school settings meet legal safety and eligibility standards. This page explains background check and fingerprinting requirements, how those checks support safe hiring decisions, and related annual certification and affidavit obligations for school districts and charter schools.
Why Background Checks Are Required
Students interact daily with educators, staff, contractors, and service providers. Background check laws exist to:
- Protect students from individuals who may pose a safety risk
- Ensure consistent hiring standards across Texas public schools
- Prevent individuals with disqualifying conduct or criminal history from working on campuses
Background checks are one part of a broader set of employment eligibility safeguards, which also include mandatory disclosures, investigations, disciplinary actions, and tools such as the Do Not Hire Registry.
Types of Background Checks
Fingerprint‑Based Background Checks
Fingerprint‑based background checks are national criminal history checks conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
These checks are required for individuals who are likely to have direct, ongoing contact with students.
Name‑Based Background Checks
Name‑based background checks are state‑level reviews based on a person’s name and date of birth.
These checks apply to limited categories of individuals who are not required to be fingerprinted under Texas law.
Who Must Complete Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting requirements vary based on role and hiring date, but commonly apply to:
- Certified educators and certification applicants
- Substitute teachers
- Non‑certified school employees hired on or after January 1, 2008
- Contractors and service providers who have direct, ongoing contact with students
More detailed role‑specific guidance is available: Fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry Requirements.
Affidavit Requirements for Hiring
Texas law requires a Pre‑Employment and Pre‑Service Affidavit (Texas Education Code § 22A.055) for all prospective employees and for service providers whose roles involve direct contact or interaction with students.
This requirement applies to:
- Teachers
- Administrators
- All other school employees
- Contractors and service providers with direct contact or interaction with students
As part of the affidavit, applicants must disclose whether they have:
- Been investigated, charged, or convicted for certain misconduct involving students
- Been investigated or sanctioned by a licensing authority
- Been listed on the Do Not Hire Registry
If an applicant answers “yes” to any question, they must provide relevant factual details.
Approved Affidavit Forms
- English
- Spanish (coming soon)
Educational entities may:
- Use either a notarized affidavit or an unsworn declaration
- Rekey the form for use in local hiring or onboarding systems
Legal Consequences
Failure to disclose required information is a Class B misdemeanor.
In certain circumstances, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) may take disciplinary action against an administrator who knowingly employs or accepts services from a person who submitted false or incomplete affidavit information.
Annual Hiring Compliance Certification
Each year, Texas school districts and open‑enrollment charter schools must certify that they are complying with all background check requirements.
This certification confirms that:
- Required background checks have been completed
- Contractors working around students have been properly screened
- Individuals with disqualifying criminal history are not employed or allowed on campus
Who Submits the Certification
Certification is submitted by:
- Superintendents of public school districts
- Chief operating officers of open‑enrollment charter schools
Some school systems may have completed required background checks but failed to submit the certification form. Each year, TEA tracks and follows up on these cases to ensure full compliance.
Main Contact Information
Overview
This page outlines the legal, nondelegable responsibilities of principals and superintendents when responding to and reporting suspected abuse, neglect, and educator misconduct. It summarizes required actions and reporting timelines under Senate Bill 571 (SB 571), explains the use of TEA reporting systems, and highlights key compliance obligations related to campus safety.
Reportable Misconduct
Reportable misconduct may include, but is not limited to:
- Abuse or physical mistreatment
- Romantic or sexual conduct involving a student or minor
- Drug-related offenses
- Misuse of public funds or school property
- Fraud related to educator certification
- Criminal conduct occurring on campus or at school-related events
- State assessment or testing violations
Administrators should report concerns based on reasonable suspicion, not confirmed findings.
Principal Reporting Responsibilities
Principals must notify the superintendent within 48 hours of becoming aware that an employee, contractor, or service provider may have engaged in conduct that poses a risk to student safety, including but not limited to:
- Abuse of a student or minor
- Threats of violence
- Romantic or sexual conduct involving a student or minor
- Boundary violations
- Inappropriate communications with a student
This notification requirement applies regardless of whether the individual resigns, is terminated, or is placed on leave.
Superintendent Reporting Responsibilities
Superintendents have independent, mandatory reporting duties under Texas law and must submit required reports to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC):
- Within 48 hours of receiving notice of reportable misconduct, and
- Within 7 days of an employee’s resignation or termination when the separation is related to suspected misconduct
These duties may not be delegated and apply even if a local investigation is ongoing.
Reporting Misconduct
All reports required under Senate Bill 571 and Texas Education Code Chapter 22A must be submitted through the TEA Misconduct Reporting Portal, which is the official system for reporting misconduct to TEA and SBEC. See the resources below for instructions on accessing the portal and receiving technical assistance.
Important: The TEA complaint form may not be used in lieu of the Misconduct Reporting Portal for required misconduct reports. Submitting a complaint does not satisfy a superintendent’s mandatory reporting obligations.
Training Requirements for Student Safety and Abuse Prevention
Texas law requires training related to student safety and abuse prevention for individuals working in Texas public schools. Superintendents are responsible for ensuring these requirements are met across the school system and for completing additional training applicable to their role.
School systems must ensure required training is completed and properly documented in accordance with Texas Education Code §§ 38.004 and 38.0041.
Responsibilities
Superintendents and administrators are responsible for:
- Ensuring all required employees complete state‑mandated student safety and abuse prevention training
- Maintaining documentation of training completion
- Monitoring compliance with current statutory requirements, including updates to state law
Because state law has changed, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) recommends that all employees complete updated training, even if similar training was completed previously.
Required Training Content
State‑required training must address:
- Child abuse, sexual abuse, trafficking, and other forms of maltreatment
- Warning signs of abuse and neglect
- Special considerations for students with significant cognitive disabilities, including non‑verbal indicators of harm
Additional Training Requirement for Superintendents
Superintendents are subject to additional, periodic training under Texas Education Code §21.054(h) related to identifying abuse, neglect, or trafficking and mandatory reporting responsibilities. Information about approved providers is available through Continuing Professional Education. 
TEA‑Provided Training Option
TEA offers a free training course that meets state requirements through the TEA Learn platform:
School systems may use this course or another training program that meets state requirements.
Required Campus Safety Signage
Posting Requirements
Under TEC §38.0042, campuses must display signage that includes:
- The Texas Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑252‑5400
- 911 emergency instructions
- The Texas Abuse Hotline website: https://txabusehotline.org
Signs must be:
- Posted in English and Spanish
- Placed at student eye level
- Located in high‑traffic areas on campus
Approved Posters
The Texas Education Agency (TEA), in cooperation with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, has developed approved posters.
Resources to Support Your Learning
Emergent Bilingual Family Resources
Family and student resources for English learners.
Military Family Resources
Resources to help make school transitions more manageable
SPED Family Resources
Resources to help families navigate special education services
State Testing Resources
See your child’s test results and personalized resources
Schools and School Performance
Find a school or see how your child’s school is performing
Early Childhood Family Resources
Learn more about getting your child “ready” for school
Graduation Requirements
Learn more about Texas high school graduation requirements
Parent Access to Supplemental Supports
Learn how eligible families can secure $400 for tutoring services supporting reading and literacy.
Explore Topics for Families and Students
From preparing for school to preparing for life after high school and all the steps in between, explore these resources and engage meaningfully with your child’s education.
Every child in Texas has the right to a free public education. A child may attend school in the school district in which they live or enroll in other options, such as charter schools.
Understanding what and how your child is learning and how to assist them outside of the classroom is an important step in preparing your child for their college, career, or military life after high school.
The Texas Assessment Program is a statewide testing program that includes the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®), STAAR Alternate 2, the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS), and TELPAS Alternate.
Texas Education Agency shares your concern that your child is healthy and safe in and out of school. The agency offers many resources to districts and charters to help them provide Safe and Healthy Schools for all students.
Being involved in your child’s education can take many forms. Texas Education Agency welcomes the participation and engagement of parents and families in supporting the education of Texas children.
Sometimes issues arise that need to be resolved. Parents or students with a concern about a violation of students' rights or actions taken in a Texas public school are encouraged to file an online complaint with TEA.
Get Help & Support
The Texas Education Agency is committed to assisting the public with timely information, questions, and concerns.
Contact for Families and Students
This is general contact information for the agency.
For contact information for a specific agency employee or division, please view the New Division Directory -->
- Phone:
- (512) 463-9734
- Email:
- generalinquiry@tea.texas.gov
- Mailing Address:
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William B. Travis Building
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Resources to Support Your Learning
Emergent Bilingual Family Resources
Family and student resources for English learners.
Military Family Resources
Resources to help make school transitions more manageable
SPED Family Resources
Resources to help families navigate special education services
State Testing Resources
See your child’s test results and personalized resources
Schools and School Performance
Find a school or see how your child’s school is performing
Early Childhood Family Resources
Learn more about getting your child “ready” for school
Graduation Requirements
Learn more about Texas high school graduation requirements
Parent Access to Supplemental Supports
Learn how eligible families can secure $400 for tutoring services supporting reading and literacy.
Explore Topics for Families and Students
From preparing for school to preparing for life after high school and all the steps in between, explore these resources and engage meaningfully with your child’s education.
Every child in Texas has the right to a free public education. A child may attend school in the school district in which they live or enroll in other options, such as charter schools.
Understanding what and how your child is learning and how to assist them outside of the classroom is an important step in preparing your child for their college, career, or military life after high school.
The Texas Assessment Program is a statewide testing program that includes the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®), STAAR Alternate 2, the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS), and TELPAS Alternate.
Texas Education Agency shares your concern that your child is healthy and safe in and out of school. The agency offers many resources to districts and charters to help them provide Safe and Healthy Schools for all students.
Being involved in your child’s education can take many forms. Texas Education Agency welcomes the participation and engagement of parents and families in supporting the education of Texas children.
Sometimes issues arise that need to be resolved. Parents or students with a concern about a violation of students' rights or actions taken in a Texas public school are encouraged to file an online complaint with TEA.
Get Help & Support
The Texas Education Agency is committed to assisting the public with timely information, questions, and concerns.
Contact for Families and Students
This is general contact information for the agency.
For contact information for a specific agency employee or division, please view the New Division Directory -->
- Phone:
- (512) 463-9734
- Email:
- generalinquiry@tea.texas.gov
- Mailing Address:
-
William B. Travis Building
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
To enroll your child in school, you will need to locate a school, provide residency documentation, and get your child all state required immunizations or provide a valid exemption from the immunization requirements. The following links provide additional information about the enrollment process.
Locate Your School District or Charter School
The AskTED (Texas Education Directory) search tool or the School District Locator can help you find schools and districts. Contact the district in your area for details on required enrollment documentation.
Locate a Virtual or Hybrid School
Visit the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) campus website.
Understand Admission and Eligibility Requirements
A letter called Attendance, Admission, Enrollment Records and Tuition 2017-2018, which is issued annually, provides updated information about policies regarding attendance, admission, enrollment, and tuition at Texas public schools.
A similar letter called Charter Admission, Enrollment, and Withdrawal 2017-2018 provides information about admission, enrollment, and withdrawal at Texas charter schools, which are a type of public school.
Many Texas children are eligible to attend free prekindergarten classes. Prekindergarten eligibility and enrollment information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on TEA's prekindergarten website.
Get Your Child Immunized
A Texas Department of State Health Services website provides a list of immunization requirements children must have to enroll in school. Children can be exempted from immunizations under certain circumstances.
Parent Resources
Nutritional breakfasts and lunches are available to students, often at low or no cost. Find out more about the child nutrition programs (outside source), overseen by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
The Texas Project First (outside source) provides resources for parents of students served by the special education program.
Additional resources are available for those who care for children in foster care. Additionally, answers to frequently asked questions for those assisting homeless and displaced students are available.
Note: The external links on this page are neither owned nor maintained by TEA.
Need Assistance?
For parents who are having problems enrolling a child in general education programs see this contact information for assistance:
- Phone:
- (512) 463-9290
- Email:
- GeneralInquiry@tea.texas.gov
For Parents who are having difficulty enrolling an eligible child in special education programs see this contact information for assistance:
- Phone:
- (512) 463-9414
- Email:
- sped@tea.texas.gov
Get Help & Support
The Texas Education Agency is committed to assisting the public with timely information, questions, and concerns.
Contact for Families and Students
This is general contact information for the agency.
For contact information for a specific agency employee or division, please view the New Division Directory.
- Phone:
- (512) 463-9734
- Email:
- generalinquiry@tea.texas.gov
- Mailing Address:
-
William B. Travis Building
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701