0010-94
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
AND
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
PAMELA ANDRADE
V.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
DECISIONS
Held: Disqualification lifted.
Date: March 21, 1994
The petitioner in this case wishes to work in a facility regulated by the Department of Education under its regulations for "Educational Programs for Very Young Children". G.L. 16-48-1, et seq. Back in 1982 she was charged with one count of welfare fraud. She entered a plea of nolo contendere to this charge in 1985. She was placed on probation for 2 years. Petitioner testified under oath that she has had no other convictions in Rhode Island or in any other state. Her employer has strongly recommended that we not disqualify the petitioner. He submits that she is a capable and valuable employee whose character "presents no reason for concern for the health and welfare of any child placed in her care."
We concur with this assessment. We find that petitioner Andrade to be qualified to work in a program regulated under the Department's regulations for "Educational Programs for Very Young Children". However, we do require the petitioner to submit to us a national criminal records check.
Conclusion
The disqualification against the petitioner is lifted. She is, however, required to submit to us a national criminal records check.
Forrest L. Avila
Hearing Officer
approved:
Peter McWalters
Commissioner of Education
March 21, 1994
Date