Ukraine Mandates Background Checks for Teachers and Childcare Workers

Mandatory Screening for Childcare and Education Roles

According to Главком: The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved a mandatory screening process for all candidates seeking to work with children in educational institutions. This new policy, established on March 6, 2026, is designed to prevent individuals with certain criminal records or administrative penalties from gaining employment in roles that could endanger child safety. This move aligns Ukraine with child protection standards common in many Western nations.

Grounds for Disqualification from Employment

The mandatory vetting applies to hiring in preschools and general secondary schools. Specific grounds for employment refusal have been established:

• Individuals with criminal convictions, particularly for crimes against children.
• Individuals with administrative penalties for domestic violence, bullying, or failure to fulfill parental duties, specifically for positions in general secondary education.

To gain employment in a preschool (kindergarten), candidates must provide a certificate confirming the absence of a criminal record. For work in a general secondary school, candidates must also provide this certificate, along with a statement from the National Police of Ukraine confirming they have not been held accountable for bullying or child abuse.

This decision implements provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and provides additional safeguards for protecting children within educational institutions.

The introduction of mandatory background checks represents a significant step in strengthening Ukraine's child protection system. By considering criminal histories and administrative sanctions during the hiring process, the policy aims to reduce risks to children in schools and kindergartens. Its implementation underscores Ukraine's commitment to international child protection standards as outlined in the UN Convention.