Which of my staff need drug testing?
For schools, all employees or volunteers who are counted in your child to staff ratios will need to have a drug test. Drug testing must be completed within 60 days of the hire date. Directors or principals that are not counted in child staff ratios will also need to complete a background check.
What if an employee was already working at my program prior to submitting the On My Way Pre-K application? How should I calculate the 60 days?
All current staff will need to complete their drug tests before the program is approved. Your LLEP Consultant can answer any questions you have about this process.
How often does the drug testing need to be completed?
Drug testing is required once upon initial application for the program. Additional drug testing may be required of an individual who is suspected of non-compliance. If an employee leaves your program and comes back with a new hire date, he or she would need to be re-tested.
Do I need to go to a specific place for drug testing?
Testing must be completed by a lab that is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the test results must be read by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). Before going to the lab for drug testing, you should ask the lab if they are able to send the test out to a SAMHSA-certified facility and if the results will be read by a certified MRO.
Some facilities offer same-day drug testing? Can I go to one of these facilities?
The same-day drug testing centers do not typically meet the criteria for a SAMHSA-approved facility. You will need to make sure your facility is able to send the sample out to a SAMHSA-certified location for testing and that the results will be read by a certified Medical Review Officer.
Does the state provide a list of approved drug testing locations?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide a list because the number of approved labs changes frequently.
Is there a charge for drug testing?
Yes, there is a fee for testing that is determined by the lab performing the testing. On My Way Pre-K does not reimburse providers for the costs of drug testing.
Where do the drug testing results need to be sent?
Results should be sent from the drug testing company to the LLEP Consultant for review.