What Is a Background Check
A background check is a criminal history screening required for all staff members and household adults in licensed childcare facilities. This screening typically includes fingerprinting, state criminal records search, and federal FBI checks to identify any disqualifying offenses.
Most states require background checks before a person can work with children in any licensed setting, whether it's a center-based program, family childcare home, or preschool. Some states extend this requirement to household members age 17 and older living in family childcare homes. NAEYC-accredited programs often conduct more thorough checks than state minimums require, including national criminal databases and sex offender registry reviews.
Licensing and Regulatory Requirements
Background check requirements vary by state, but most align with federal child care licensing guidelines. The Office of Child Care (OCC) encourages states to include checks of state and national criminal records, sex offender registries, and child abuse and neglect registries. Many states require results within 30 to 90 days of employment.
Common disqualifying offenses include felony child abuse, sexual abuse, homicide, and drug trafficking. Some states use a case-by-case review process for certain convictions rather than automatic disqualification. If you're receiving CCDF subsidies, your childcare provider must comply with your state's background check requirements as a condition of subsidy eligibility.
What Gets Screened
- State criminal records: Felonies and misdemeanors, varying by state
- Federal background check: FBI fingerprint clearance through LiveScan or ink prints
- Sex offender registries: State and national NCIC (National Crime Information Center) databases
- Child abuse and neglect registries: Central registry checks in the state where the person works and previously lived
- Drug convictions: Screening for controlled substance offenses, particularly trafficking
Timing and Costs
The background check process typically takes 15 to 30 business days, though fingerprinting adds 5 to 10 days. Costs range from $30 to $100 depending on your state and whether the facility covers fees. Some facilities reimburse employee costs. You may need to get checked in multiple states if you've lived in different places within the past five years.
Connection to Other Requirements
Background checks work alongside other safety measures. Staff must also be mandated reporters trained to recognize and report child abuse. Fingerprinting is the technical process that triggers the FBI search as part of your background check. Many programs require updated background checks every three to five years or when staff changes positions.
What This Means for Parents
When selecting a childcare program, ask whether staff completed background checks before starting work. Request documentation that the facility conducted checks including fingerprinting and registry searches, not just local police records. NAEYC-accredited programs post their accreditation status, which signals compliance with rigorous standards including enhanced background screening.
Be cautious of programs that don't clearly explain their background check process or hire staff before clearance is complete. Your state's licensing agency website typically lists disqualifying offenses and allows you to verify a program's compliance history.
Common Questions
- Does a background check cover everyone in a family childcare home? Most states require background checks for the primary provider and household members age 17 and older. Some states check all household members. Ask your provider or state licensing office for the specific requirement in your area.
- What if a staff member has an old conviction? Many states allow evaluation of older convictions on a case-by-case basis, particularly if the offense is unrelated to child safety. The licensing agency makes this determination, not the individual facility.
- Can I ask to see a staff member's background check results? You cannot access detailed results, but you can ask the program whether each staff member passed the required background check before working with children. Licensed programs are required to maintain cleared staff only.