What background checks are required to work in childcare?

Every state requires a criminal background check before anyone works with children in a licensed program, and all 50 states run that check against three things: a state criminal history search, an FBI fingerprint-based national search, and the state's child abuse and neglect registry. Most states also search the sex offender registry. The exact agency names differ — California uses DOJ and FBI fingerprinting plus a CANRA acknowledgment, Texas uses a DPS criminal history check, and New York runs DCJS and the Statewide Central Register — but the four-part shape is consistent nationwide.

Who has to pass a background check at a daycare?

Not just teachers. Licensing rules apply the screening to the provider or director, every staff member, and in most states every volunteer and every adult who lives in or regularly works at the facility. For a home daycare, that means every adult in the household. No one is allowed to be alone with children until their check clears.

How long does a childcare background check take?

Fingerprint-based results often come back in a few days to a few weeks, but the full clearance can take longer when the FBI national check or a child abuse registry search is backlogged. Plan for two to six weeks and submit early — most states will not let a new hire start working alone with children until every required check has cleared.

How much does a childcare background check cost?

The fee is usually paid per person and ranges from roughly $30 to $100, depending on the state and how many separate checks are bundled. Arizona, for example, requires a Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance card for childcare staff. The background-check fee is separate from your state's licensing application fee — see the licensing fees reference for how the two add up across a real first-year budget.

Do background checks need to be renewed for childcare workers?

In many states, yes. Several require periodic rescreening — Florida shortened its rescreening cycle to every four years under §402.305 — and continuous-monitoring or rap-back systems flag new arrests on already-cleared staff in some states. Always confirm your state's rescreening interval with its licensing office, because failing to rescreen on time is a common deficiency citation.

State-by-State Research

Childcare Background Check Requirements by State

The registries and agencies that screen your staff, state by state

Last updated: June 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Before anyone works with children in a licensed daycare, they have to clear a background check. The pieces are remarkably consistent from state to state — a criminal history search, an FBI fingerprint check, and a child abuse registry search — but the agency names and the renewal rules change at every border. This page lists the specific checks each state requires, drawn from each state's licensing rules.

Key finding: All 50 states require a criminal background check before a person may work with children in a licensed childcare program, and the check has three parts almost everywhere: a state criminal history search, an FBI fingerprint-based national check, and a search of the state child abuse and neglect registry. Most states add a sex offender registry search. The agency names differ by state; the four-part shape does not.

Method: Researched by the TotReady Research Team from published state childcare licensing rules. The per-state entries below list the specific checks each state names in its regulations. Screening rules and renewal intervals are amended frequently — always confirm current requirements with your state's childcare licensing office before you hire. TotReady provides information, not legal advice.

Who has to be screened

The screening rules reach further than most new owners expect. It is not only the people who teach. Across states, the checks apply to:

✓
The provider or director
The person whose name is on the license must clear every required check first.
✓
Every staff member
Teachers, assistants, cooks, and drivers — anyone employed at the program.
✓
Volunteers with child contact
Most states screen any volunteer who has regular, unsupervised access to children.
✓
Adults in a home daycare household
For a family childcare home, every adult who lives in the home is screened, not just the provider.

What the agencies actually run

California: DOJ fingerprint clearance for all employees, volunteers, and household members; FBI fingerprint clearance; Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) acknowledgment (via California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division).
Texas: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal history check; FBI fingerprint-based national check; Child Abuse/Neglect (CAN) registry check; Sex offender registry check (via Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing).
New York: New York State criminal history check (DCJS); FBI fingerprint background check; Statewide Central Register (SCR) database check for child abuse/maltreatment; Sex offender registry check (via New York State Office of Children and Family Services).

Background check requirements: full state table

Coverage for 50 of 50 states. Each entry lists the checks the state names in its licensing rules and the agency that runs the licensing program. Confirm current requirements with your licensing office before relying on them.

Childcare staff background check requirements by U.S. state, with the licensing agency for each.
State	Required Checks	Licensing Agency
Alabama	Criminal History Background Information Check required for applicants, licensees, board members, center directors, staff, employees, volunteers, and applicants for employment/volunteer work (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)) National FBI criminal history check with fingerprints (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(i)) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) / National Sex Offender Registry check (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(ii)) In-state (Alabama) criminal history check with fingerprints (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(iii)) In-state (Alabama) sex offender registry check (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(iv)) Inter-state criminal history check and inter-state sex offender registry check if the individual has lived in another state within the past 5 years (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(v)-(vi)) Request for Clearance of the State Central Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect via DHR-DFC Form 1598 for applicants, directors, and staff/employees/volunteers (660-5-26-.07(2)(b)) Suitability determination by DHR is required; criminal-history background information must be updated/renewed periodically (every 5 years) per 660-5-26-.07(2)(c)	Alabama Department of Human Resources
Alaska	Fingerprint-based criminal history check (state APSIN and FBI national) for the provider and each associated individual 16 or older, processed through the Alaska Department of Health Background Check Program (AS 47.05.300-.390; 7 AAC 10.900-10.990) Barrier crimes and conditions screening under 7 AAC 10.905 — disqualifying offenses/findings bar association with the facility Provider must request a background check (or show a valid fingerprint-based check) for each individual associated with the provider per 7 AAC 10.900(b); requests made under 7 AAC 10.910 A fingerprint-based background check is valid for five years for an individual continuously marked valid in APSIN whose check has not been revoked or made invalid	Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office
Arizona	Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card Central Registry check Sex offender registry check	Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care
Arkansas	Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check via DHS Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) — required for owners/operators at application and every 2 years; staff prior to employment and every 2 years; volunteers/therapists/student observers and administrative staff/board members with routine contact (MLR Section 109) Statewide criminal records check by the Arkansas State Police, Identification Bureau, including the Arkansas Sexual Offender Registry (MLR Sections 109/110) Nationwide fingerprint-based FBI criminal history records check submitted through the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau, plus a National Sex Offender Registry check (MLR Sections 109/110) Required for owners/operators, directors, all staff, volunteers, therapists, student observers, and administrative/board members with routine contact with children; statutory basis Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-606 (Criminal history records checks required) and § 20-38-101 et seq. (NOTE: the older § 20-78-601–605, including § 20-78-602, were REPEALED by Act 762 of 2009)	Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood
California	DOJ fingerprint clearance for all employees, volunteers, and household members FBI fingerprint clearance Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) acknowledgment	California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division
Colorado	Fingerprint-based criminal history record check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), submitted via a CBI-approved fingerprint vendor (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.121 - Criminal Record Check) Child abuse/neglect background inquiry through the CDEC automated system (Trails), on the state-prescribed form, for operators, applicants, and employees; renewed every 5 years (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.120 - Child Abuse or Neglect for Background and Employment Inquiries) Checks must be completed before an individual cares for children or has unsupervised access; for residents of a licensed facility, a criminal record check at annual declaration applies to those who have not previously obtained one (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.121(C)) Notification of Name Removal form must be submitted when an individual leaves employment, to remove their name from the facility license number in the CBI database (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.121(D)(1))	Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Connecticut	Comprehensive background checks required for prospective employees in positions providing care to or with unsupervised access to children (CGS Sec. 19a-80(c)); checks conducted at least once every five years per CGS Sec. 10-530(b) and 45 CFR 98.43 State and national (FBI) criminal history records check via fingerprints, conducted in accordance with CGS Sec. 29-17a Connecticut child abuse and neglect registry check (state registry established under CGS Sec. 17a-101k) via Dept. of Children and Families No prospective employee may begin working until the requirements of 45 CFR 98.43(d)(4) are satisfied	Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
Delaware	Delaware State Police fingerprint-based State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal history check before the start of employment (14 DE Admin. Code 933 §28.3) FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check; comprehensive background check reviewed by the Criminal History Unit (CHU) - staff may not be alone with children until CHU reviews the results (§28.3.6) Out-of-state fingerprinted state criminal history search and name-based child abuse/neglect registry search for staff who reside outside Delaware or resided out of state during the past 5 years (§28.3.2; comprehensive background check definition, §3.0) Adult Abuse Registry check through the Department of Health and Social Services (§28.4) Disqualification screening, including Child Protection Registry Level III/IV and offenses under 11 Del.C. §8550 (§28); consistent with federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act requirements	Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing
Florida	Level 2 background screening (FDLE + FBI fingerprints) Abuse registry check Employment history check 5-year rescreening requirement	Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Care Licensing
Georgia	GBI fingerprint background check FBI background check GCIC records check	Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Hawaii	Required by HRS §346-154 (Background checks) and implemented through HAR Chapter 17-801 (referenced by HAR §17-892.2-2(a)(4) and §17-892.2-3) for applicants, employees, prospective employees, and household members Criminal history record check via the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center under HRS §846-2.7 (state and FBI/national fingerprint-based check) Sex offender registry check (state and national) Child abuse/neglect record check and adult abuse perpetrator check (DHS records) per HRS §346-154 New staff must complete background-check requirements within 5 working days of hire (HAR §17-892.2-3(c)); staff who have left the state or stopped doing child care for 180 consecutive days or more must re-comply with HAR ch. 17-801 (HAR §17-892.2-3(c)(2)) Annual background checks: consent must be provided no later than the anniversary date of the last consent (HAR §17-892.2-3(d)) Employment history clearance / verification (DHS 958/959/959A) Disqualifying basis: conviction of a crime (other than a minor traffic violation involving a fine of $50 or less) or any confirmed child or vulnerable-adult abuse/neglect may result in denial/revocation (HRS §346-154); suitability determined under HAR ch. 17-801	Hawaii Department of Human Services
Idaho	Department enhanced background check required for owners, operators, and staff, at least every five (5) years (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.02; Idaho Code §§ 39-1105, 39-1113) Required for all individuals 13+ with unsupervised direct contact with children and all individuals 13+ in the household or regularly on the premises (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.02.b–.c) Conducted under IDAPA 16.05.06 (Criminal History and Background Checks) via the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Background Check Unit; fingerprint-based, includes child-protection registry search for jurisdictions of residence over the prior five years (enhanced clearance) Department may require a background check at any time on any owner, operator, staff, household member, or other 13+ individual with unsupervised direct contact or regularly on the premises (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.04) For individuals under 18: juvenile justice records check — magistrate-division adjudications, county probation services, and Department records, for each jurisdiction of residence ages 13–18 (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.05) Family daycare homes caring for 4+ children must comply with §§ 39-1105 and 39-1113 (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.03; Idaho Code §§ 39-1114, 39-1115(3)) After clearance, additional disqualifying convictions/adjudications must be self-disclosed and reported by the owner/operator to the Department within 5 days (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.08) Disqualifying crimes enumerated in Idaho Code § 39-1113(3)	Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare
Illinois	Illinois State Police background check CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check FBI fingerprint check	Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Indiana	National criminal history background check (fingerprint-based) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), processed through IdentoGO/IDEMIA - required before an individual is employed or allowed to volunteer and every 3 years thereafter (IC 12-17.2-4-3) Indiana State Police (ISP) Limited Criminal History check Indiana State Sex and Violent Offender Registry check Child Protection Index check - Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) child abuse and neglect registry determination (grounds tied to a DCS determination of abuse/neglect as defined in IC 31-9-2-14; DCS established under IC 31-25-1-1) Out-of-state child abuse/neglect registry check for individuals who previously resided out of state (coordinated through the OECOSL Background Check Unit) New background check generally required if an applicant has not been employed in child care within a defined break-in-service period Drug testing policy and results maintained for caregivers, obtained before employment/volunteering (IC 12-17.2-4-3.5) Disqualifying offenses: grounds for denial at IC 12-17.2-4-5 and grounds for revocation at IC 12-17.2-4-32 - felonies related to health/safety of a child, sex offenses (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5.2), dangerous felonies, and substantiated DCS child abuse/neglect determinations	Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Iowa	Iowa criminal and child abuse record check, completed before the person's involvement with child care, via the Single Contact Repository (SING) National (FBI) criminal history check based on fingerprints, submitted to the Iowa Department of Public Safety; repeated for each person every four years Iowa child abuse registry / dependent adult abuse registry check (Iowa HHS abuse registry) Sex offender registry check (completed before involvement with child care) Required under Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-109.6(4) (Record checks); national fingerprint check repeat interval at 441-109.6(4)(d). (Corrected from prior 109.6(6), which does not exist.)	Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Kansas	Fingerprint-based background check for the applicant, the licensee, each employee in a preschool or child care center, each volunteer counted in the staff-child ratio, and any other individual regularly in the facility with unsupervised access to children, submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and FBI for national criminal history record check (K.A.R. 28-4-125(b); K.S.A. 65-516(e)-(f)); $48 fee per individual (K.A.R. 28-4-95) Name-based background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) for individuals specified in K.A.R. 28-4-125(d) Kansas DCF child abuse and neglect central registry check (K.S.A. 65-516(a)(4), referencing K.S.A. 38-2226) Kansas offender registration act / national sex offender registry check (K.S.A. 65-516(a)(3), referencing the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq.) No individual shall work, regularly volunteer, or reside in the facility until the results of the individual's background checks verify the individual is not prohibited under K.S.A. 65-516 (K.A.R. 28-4-125(e))	Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Kentucky	State and national fingerprint-supported criminal history background check performed by the Department of Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the FBI, including the FBI rap back system (922 KAR 2:280) Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check via the cabinet National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) check Kentucky Sex Offender Registry check Out-of-state criminal and child-abuse/neglect registry checks for any state of residence within the applicable look-back period (922 KAR 2:280) Required for: an owner/operator/employee of a child-care provider; a licensee or director; an adult household member of a Type II center; an employee present while a child is receiving care; any person with supervisory or disciplinary control over a child in care; and any person having unsupervised contact with a child in care (922 KAR 2:280); cross-references federal 42 U.S.C. 9858f and 45 C.F.R. 98.43	Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General
Louisiana	CCCBC (Child Care Criminal Background Check)-based determination of eligibility required from LDOE for each owner, person in governance, volunteer, staff member, employee, independent contractor, and visitor before unsupervised access (Bulletin 137 Chapter 18, §1801, §1807; federal basis 45 CFR 98.43) Fingerprint-based criminal history check (electronic fingerprints used in parishes where available) via the Department's Child Care Criminal Background Check System (§1811; doe.louisiana.gov CCCBC page) Provisional employment permitted only with continuous monitoring by a fully-vetted adult pending CCCBC determination (§1804, §1811) CCCBC process includes a determination of eligibility issued by LDOE; ineligible individuals are prohibited from working in or governing a center (§1801)	Louisiana Department of Education
Maine	Comprehensive background check governed by 10-148 C.M.R. Chapter 34 (Child Care Provider Background Check Licensing Rule), § 3 (Background Checks), administered by the OCFS Background Check Unit Mandatory fingerprint-based check (fingerprints taken by Maine State Police, forwarded to State Bureau of Identification) FBI fingerprint check (Federal Bureau of Investigation) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) National Sex Offender Registry State Bureau of Identification (SBI) Maine criminal history repository Maine Child Abuse and Neglect registry/database Maine Sex Offender Registry Child abuse/neglect registry, state criminal history repository, and sex offender registry for each state of residence during the prior 5 years Required for all current and prospective staff members (and household members over age 18 / any person with unsupervised access to children in applicable settings) Must be requested at least once every 5 years per individual	Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Maryland	State and federal criminal history records check (fingerprint-based) via the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), Maryland Dept. of Public Safety & Correctional Services FBI national fingerprint-based criminal background check Sex offender registry check (in-state and national) Child abuse and neglect (CPS) registry check via Maryland Dept. of Human Services, Child Protective Services (CPS Background Clearance / Adam Walsh clearance) Out-of-state criminal, sex offender, and child abuse/neglect registry checks for any state of residence in the prior 5 years Comprehensive background check required for all staff and adult household members at least once every 5 years; Maryland operates a CJIS rap-back program for ongoing/continuous monitoring of arrests	Maryland State Department of Education
Massachusetts	Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) check DCF (Department of Children and Families) background check Out-of-state background check for recent relocators	Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
Michigan	Michigan State Police ICHAT FBI fingerprint check Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry check	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems
Minnesota	Background study required for every person required to be studied under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245C, conducted through the commissioner via the NETStudy 2.0 system (Minn. Stat. 245C.05) Each subject must provide a set of classifiable fingerprints and a photograph (Minn. Stat. 245C.05, subd. 5) Fingerprints submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for state criminal history and, when required, to the FBI for a national criminal history record check Review includes Minnesota court records and national crime information databases, plus maltreatment (child abuse/neglect) records Studies conducted by the licensing-agency commissioner (DCYF; predecessor DHS); recurring/continuous monitoring under NETStudy 2.0	Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Mississippi	Comprehensive fingerprint-based criminal history records check required on all operators, employees, prospective employees, and child care providers eligible to deliver CCDF-funded services — Rule 1.5.2 (authority: Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1 et seq.; CCDBG Act of 2014 §658(d); 45 CFR 98.43) FBI national criminal history records check (NCIC, fingerprint) State criminal history records check (Mississippi MCIC, fingerprint) State child abuse registry check National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) check State sex offender registry check Interstate/out-of-state check, if applicable Valid Letter of Suitability from the MSDH Criminal Records Check Unit required BEFORE a prospective staff member begins work; suitability status electronically accessed, monitored, and maintained via the MSDH agency-maintained website Comprehensive background check repeated every five (5) years; new check required after a break in service exceeding 180 consecutive days Volunteers serving 120+ hours/licensure year require a full check (Letter of Suitability); paid employees under age 18 also require a full comprehensive check (Rule 1.5.2(5)–(6))	Mississippi State Department of Health
Missouri	Comprehensive background check required for each child care staff member (and individuals counted in ratios) — completed/renewed every 5 years per RSMo 210.1080 Fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal history check (Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI) Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) screening — includes the Central Registry for Child Abuse/Neglect plus additional Missouri databases (administered by DHSS/MSHP) Sex offender registry check The provider shall request the results of a criminal background check before a staff member's employment/presence; pending completion, the prospective staff member must be supervised at all times by a staff member with a qualifying result (RSMo 210.1080; provider request duty at 5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(M)). NOTE: the draft's '10-day' abuse-screening claim cited to 19 CSR 30-62.102(2)(K) could not be confirmed — current 5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(K) is a 7-day facility-orientation requirement, not a background-screening deadline. DESE Office of Childhood eligibility determination submitted via the Comprehensive Background Check Notification form (MO 500-3299) to OCBackgroundChecks@dese.mo.gov per RSMo 210.1080	Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Montana	Fingerprint background check through the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) — FBI fingerprint check required every five years (ARM 37.96.1002, Fingerprint and Background Checks) Check of the Montana Sex Offender Registry and the national Sex Offender Registry via the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) — required annually Child protective services (CPS) check for Montana and any state of residence in the preceding five years — required annually Name-based criminal records check for Montana and any state of residence in the preceding five years Required for facility personnel (directors, owners, teachers, substitutes, volunteers with child contact) and all adults residing in or regularly present at the facility; disqualifying results enumerated in ARM 37.96.1003 (background-check results that MUST result in denial) and ARM 37.96.1004 (results that MAY result in denial)	Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Nebraska	Pre-employment criminal history record check via Nebraska State Patrol or local law enforcement for applicant/licensee, each staff member and volunteer age 19+, and household members age 19+ if home-based; out-of-state check required if the individual has lived in Nebraska less than 12 months - 391 NAC 3-006.03A Nebraska Child Abuse/Neglect Central Register check (individuals age 13+); conducted by the Department - 391 NAC 3-006.03B(1) Nebraska Adult Protective Services (APS) Central Registry check (individuals age 18+); conducted by the Department - 391 NAC 3-006.03B(2) Nebraska State Patrol Sex Offender Registry check (conducted by the applicant/licensee) - 391 NAC 3-006.03B(3) All registry checks must be completed before the individual assumes responsibility for the care and supervision of children; any individual listed as a perpetrator on any registry must not be on the premises during hours of operation (except a parent-perpetrator solely for drop-off/pick-up) - 391 NAC 3-006.03B Permanent and tiered (20-year and 5-year) criminal disqualifications apply for enumerated offenses - 391 NAC 3-006.03A1, 3-006.03A2, 3-006.03A3	Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Nevada	Complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check submitted within 24 hours of date of hire (or date of registration for subsidy providers) and repeated every 5 years (NAC 432A.200(4)(a); statutory authority NRS 432A.170 and NRS 432A.175) FBI national criminal history records check (fingerprint-based) Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History Statewide Central Registry for the Collection of Information Concerning the Abuse or Neglect of a Child (Child Abuse and Neglect System) Out-of-state criminal history and child abuse/neglect registry checks required for applicants who have not resided in Nevada for the prior 5 years Submitted and tracked through the Nevada Automated Backgrounds System (NABS); required for every owner/applicant, licensee, operator, employee, volunteer, and resident 18 or older of the facility	Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
New Hampshire	Fingerprint-based criminal history records check through the NH Division of State Police and the FBI (national criminal history via biometric identification) — RSA 170-E:7 Check of the National Sex Offender Registry file in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) — RSA 170-E:7 NH Sex Offender Registry and NH abuse-and-neglect registry checks — RSA 170-E:7 Out-of-state sex offender registry and out-of-state criminal history / abuse-and-neglect registry checks for each state of residence in the past 5 years — RSA 170-E:7 Required for owners, directors, child care staff, substitutes, employees, volunteers who may be alone with children or count in ratios, and household members age 10 and older; conducted before employment/residency and re-checked every 5 years — He-C 4002.41	New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit
New Jersey	NJ State Police background check FBI fingerprint check Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check	New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing
New Mexico	Background checks conducted per 8.16.2.19 NMAC and 8.16.2.21(A)(2) NMAC in accordance with 8.8.3 NMAC (CYFD/ECECD Background Checks and Employment History Verification rule) Required for all staff members, educators, volunteers, prospective staff, and any person who may have unsupervised physical access to children (8.16.2.21(A)(2) NMAC) Fingerprint-based criminal history check (department provides fingerprint instructions) plus FBI national criminal history record check Employment history verification required in addition to the criminal background check Notice of provisional employment or a completed background check required PRIOR to a staff member's employment (8.16.2.19 NMAC) Re-check required at least once every five years from the original date of eligibility, regardless of date of hire or transfer (8.16.2.19 NMAC; 8.16.2.21(A)(2) NMAC) Transfer of eligibility permitted if found eligible within the past five years and not separated from employment for more than 180 days (8.16.2.19(A)-(B) NMAC; 8.8.3.11 NMAC) Disqualifying-incident review under 8.8.3 NMAC; an employer may not allow a person with a disqualifying incident to work directly/unsupervised with children (8.16.2.23(A)(1) NMAC) Persons convicted within the last seven years of a misdemeanor or felony DWI/DUI may not transport children (8.16.2.28(H) NMAC)	New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department
New York	New York State criminal history check (DCJS) FBI fingerprint background check Statewide Central Register (SCR) database check for child abuse/maltreatment Sex offender registry check	New York State Office of Children and Family Services
North Carolina	NC State Bureau of Investigation check FBI fingerprint check Responsible Individuals List check	North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education
North Dakota	Fingerprint-based criminal history record check with an FBI nationwide check, submitted to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), required for owners/applicants, directors, supervisors, emergency designees, substitute and regular staff members, and household members of a residence — at application/hire, within five years of initial approval, and at least once every five years thereafter (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-27(5); N.D.C.C. 50-11.1-06.2 and 12-60-24) Child Abuse and Neglect Index check / confirmed-determination review under N.D.C.C. ch. 50-25.1 (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-28) Disqualifying-offense review under N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-27 (enumerated offenses in N.D.C.C. chs./secs. 12.1-16, 12.1-18, 12.1-27.2, 12.1-41, the 12.1-17 assault offenses, 12.1-20 sexual offenses, 14-09-22 abuse of child, 14-09-22.1 neglect of child, and others); completion of five years after final discharge without subsequent charge or conviction is prima facie evidence of sufficient rehabilitation Nationwide name-based BCI check substituted only when usable fingerprints cannot be obtained after two rejected sets (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-27(5)) Department-approved authorization for background check form required no later than the first day of employment (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-28(2))	North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood Services
Ohio	Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification check FBI background check CANTS (SACWIS) check	Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development
Oklahoma	Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) criminal records search conducted by OKDHS (per 10 O.S. § 404.1) [verified] National criminal history records search based on fingerprint submission (FBI fingerprint-based check, processed through OKDHS Office of Background Investigations) per OAC 340:110-3-282(a) and 10 O.S. § 404.1 [verified] Restricted Registry (Joshua's List) online search conducted by the facility (OAC 340:110-3-282(b)) [verified] Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act / Department of Corrections sex offender registry search (state and national repositories) [verified] Mary Rippy Violent Crime Offenders Registration Act registry search [verified] Child abuse and neglect registry search for any state of residence within the last 5 years [per 10 O.S. § 404.1] Nontechnical services worker abuse registry (OSDH) and community services worker registry (OKDHS) searches [verified in 10 O.S. § 404.1 as reproduced in Pub. 14-05] Out-of-state criminal history / sex offender search if individual lived outside Oklahoma in the last 5 years; criminal history review repeated every 5 years [verified — OAC 340:110-3-282(a) requires re-check every five years]	Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Oregon	Central Background Registry (CBR) enrollment required for all staff, operators, owners, and adults on the premises — administered by DELC/CCLD under OAR 414-061-0000 through 414-061-0120 and OAR 414-305-0310; statutory basis ORS 329A.030 Oregon State Police (OSP) criminal records check FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check (OAR 414-061-0080) Child abuse and neglect (DHS Child Welfare) records check Adult Protective Services check and foster care certification check CBR enrollment is approved for a 5-year period; conditional enrollment (valid up to 1 year) is allowed pending FBI results, during which the individual must not have unsupervised access to children	Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record FBI fingerprint check (Act 73) Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151) Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Register check	Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services
Rhode Island	Required for all individuals working or engaging directly with children (employees and volunteers), prior to assignment of child care duties and every five (5) years thereafter (218-RICR-70-00-1.12(A)) Statewide criminal records check (BCI) and nationwide FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check processed through the RI Attorney General / Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check through the RI Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) State Sex Offender Registry (RISOR) and National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) checks Interstate criminal, sex-offender registry, and child-abuse/neglect registry checks for any individual who lived outside Rhode Island in the previous five years Employer must submit a signed affidavit to the RI Attorney General's office validating employment before BCI processing; comprehensive fingerprint fees at the RIAG Cranston office are waived (effective May 5, 2021 through June 30, 2026) for child care staff Applicant/staff may appeal disqualifying findings within 30 days of written notification (218-RICR-70-00-1.12(A))	Rhode Island Department of Human Services
South Carolina	State fingerprint review through the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) before teacher/caregiver employment or service — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(a); S.C. Code 63-13-40 FBI national fingerprint-based criminal history check (submitted within 14 business days of receiving SLED results; provisional employment allowed after favorable SLED review) — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(b) South Carolina Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect check for the director(s) and each staff person (except volunteers) — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(1)(b) Sex Offender Registry: no person required to register under S.C. Code 23-3-430 may be employed, have services engaged, or be knowingly allowed in the facility during normal hours of operation — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(c) Disqualifying offenses: crimes under Title 16 Chapter 3 (Offenses Against the Person), Title 16 Chapter 15 (Offenses Against Morality and Decency), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (S.C. Code 16-17-490) — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(1)(a) and 114-503.K.(2)(c) Fingerprint reviews valid while employment continues; repeated after a break in service of one year or longer — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(d)	South Carolina Department of Social Services
South Dakota	FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check (federal) South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) state criminal registry check (fingerprint-based) South Dakota Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect check South Dakota Sex Offender Registry check National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check Out-of-state criminal record, central registry, and sex offender registry screening for any state of residence in the prior 5 years (individuals age 18+) Required for licensed/registered, informal, and in-home child care providers, staff, and household members with access to children; in-state screenings repeated at least once every 5 years. Persons on the sex offender registry or central child abuse/neglect registry are prohibited from working/residing in care (SDCL 26-6-14.10, 26-6-14.11)	South Dakota Department of Social Services
Tennessee	Fingerprint-based criminal background check for owners/operators, employees, directors, managers, substitutes working 36+ hours/year in adult:child ratios, and any person age 15 or older who resides in the child care agency (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.07; fingerprinting per T.C.A. 71-3-507 and the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act) Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) state criminal history check FBI national fingerprint-based criminal history check Sex Offender Registry check (listing on the registry is disqualifying) Department of Children's Services (DCS) substantiated abuse/neglect records check Tennessee Vulnerable Persons Registry check Background checks required at least every five (5) years; non-waivable disqualifiers include appearing on a state sex offender registry and felony convictions for murder, child abuse or neglect, or a crime against children	Tennessee Department of Human Services
Texas	Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal history check FBI fingerprint-based national check Child Abuse/Neglect (CAN) registry check Sex offender registry check	Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing
Utah	Fingerprint-based criminal background check required for all covered individuals age 16 and older (providers, directors, designees, caregivers, staff, volunteers), plus household members age 12 and older — submitted and authorized through the DLBC/Office of Background Processing provider portal (Utah Admin. Code R381-100-8 — Background Checks) Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) / Department of Public Safety (DPS) — state criminal history FBI national criminal history check (fingerprint-based) Utah and national Sex Offender Registry check Licensing Information System (LIS) / DCFS child abuse and neglect supported-findings check Renewal required if a covered individual has not been associated with an active CCL-approved child care facility within the prior 180 days, or has resided outside Utah since the last background check	Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Vermont	Records Check Authorization form submitted to the Division before any new staff/auxiliary staff/individual regularly present works with children (Rule 7.2.1, 7.2.2) Fingerprint-based criminal background check; fingerprinting occurs after the Division issues a Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate, and the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) processes the clearance within 45 days of receiving all documentation (Rule 7.2.2, 7.2.5) Child abuse/neglect substantiation check (prohibited if substantiated under Chapters 49 and 69 of Title 33 V.S.A.) (Rule 7.2.6) State sex offender registry and National Sex Offender Registry check (registry established under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006) (Rule 7.2.6) Ongoing re-check: a new Records Check Authorization form (and fingerprinting as required) must be submitted at least once every 5 years (Rule 2.3.9.3; the Division may reuse a check on file completed within the last 5 years per Rule 7.2.3); no person may be left alone with children without Division approval based on results (Rules 7.2.4, 6.2.6.6)	Vermont Department for Children and Families
Virginia	Virginia State Police background check FBI fingerprint check Child Protective Services (CPS) registry check	Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs
Washington	Washington State Patrol background check FBI fingerprint check DCYF Background Check Central Unit check	Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
West Virginia	WV CARES (West Virginia Clearance for Access: Registry and Employment Screening) state-and-federal fingerprint-based criminal background investigation and fitness determination of eligibility — required before any contact/work with children; authority W. Va. Code §16-49-1 et seq. and 69 CSR 10 (§78-1-8.4.c) WV CARES self-disclosure application and consent form on file and uploaded to WV CARES no later than the date of hire (§78-1-8.4.c.1) Fitness determination of eligibility from the WV CARES unit (§78-1-8.4.c.3); no person may work with children prior to the center receiving the fitness determination (§78-1-8.4.f) Background check updated/maintained at expiration of rap back enrollment (§78-1-8.4.c.4) State background check completed in any other state where the staff member or volunteer resided in the past five years (§78-1-8.4.c.5) Sex offender registry/repository check on each staff member and volunteer, including any other state of residence in the past five years (§78-1-8.4.c.6, §78-1-8.4.c.7) Search of state-based child and adult abuse and neglect registries and protective services databases in each state of residence during the preceding five years, repeated every five years (§78-1-8.4.d) Hiring prohibitions for disqualifying offenses as defined in W. Va. Code §16-49-1(8) / 69 CSR 10-2.10, absent a Secretary-granted waiver or variance (§78-1-8.5) For individuals over 13 and under 18 with regular direct contact with children, a signed parental affidavit that the individual has never been arrested or convicted of an offense against a person (§78-1-8.4.h)	West Virginia Department of Human Services
Wisconsin	Caregiver background check required under s. 48.686, Stats., and Wis. Admin. Code ch. DCF 13 ('Background Checks for Child Care Programs', promulgated under ss. 48.67(intro.), 48.686, and 227.11(2)(a), Stats.). (s. 48.685, Stats., governs background checks for other DCF/DHS-regulated entities, not child care centers specifically.) FBI fingerprint-based background check submitted through Fieldprint for applicants, licensees, caregivers, non-caregiver employees, contractors, and household members/residents age 10 or older Wisconsin DOJ (Department of Justice) criminal history check plus DCF Background Check Unit eligibility determination Search of DCF caregiver misconduct / child abuse and neglect records and the Wisconsin sex offender registry; barred offenses per DCF-P-5206 Fingerprints renewed every 5 years; non-fingerprint name-based checks rechecked periodically	Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wyoming	Central Registry / child abuse & neglect check in Wyoming and in all states lived in for the past 5 years — completed annually for Wyoming (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(A), (A)(I)) State Sex Offender Registry check for Wyoming and each state lived in for the past 5 years — completed annually (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(A)(I), (B)) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) National Sex Offender Registry check (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(B)) Full FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history background check (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(C)) State criminal history check for Wyoming and each state lived in for the past 5 years (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(D)) Recheck cycle: FBI criminal history, state criminal history, and National Sex Offender Registry checks every 5 years (Section 3(g)(ii)); Central Registry abuse/neglect and state Sex Offender Registry checks annually (Section 3(g)(i)(A)(I)); the Department may require new checks at any time (Section 3(g)(iii)) Applies to: owners, directors, adult staff, employees, substitutes, and volunteers in the facility during operating hours, plus household members 18+ residing in or moving into the facility — completed PRIOR to working/providing direct care (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)) Disqualifiers: conviction or pending deferred prosecution of specified felonies/misdemeanors (child abuse/neglect/abandonment/exploitation/endangerment, sexual offenses, violence, crimes against children or vulnerable adults, certain drug/alcohol offenses, etc.) — Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(iv) and Section 3(h); review/rehabilitation process in Section 3(h)	Wyoming Department of Family Services

Alabama

Alabama Department of Human Resources

Criminal History Background Information Check required for applicants, licensees, board members, center directors, staff, employees, volunteers, and applicants for employment/volunteer work (660-5-26-.07(2)(c))
National FBI criminal history check with fingerprints (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(i))
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) / National Sex Offender Registry check (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(ii))
In-state (Alabama) criminal history check with fingerprints (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(iii))
In-state (Alabama) sex offender registry check (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(iv))
Inter-state criminal history check and inter-state sex offender registry check if the individual has lived in another state within the past 5 years (660-5-26-.07(2)(c)7(v)-(vi))
Request for Clearance of the State Central Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect via DHR-DFC Form 1598 for applicants, directors, and staff/employees/volunteers (660-5-26-.07(2)(b))
Suitability determination by DHR is required; criminal-history background information must be updated/renewed periodically (every 5 years) per 660-5-26-.07(2)(c)

Alaska

Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office

Fingerprint-based criminal history check (state APSIN and FBI national) for the provider and each associated individual 16 or older, processed through the Alaska Department of Health Background Check Program (AS 47.05.300-.390; 7 AAC 10.900-10.990)
Barrier crimes and conditions screening under 7 AAC 10.905 — disqualifying offenses/findings bar association with the facility
Provider must request a background check (or show a valid fingerprint-based check) for each individual associated with the provider per 7 AAC 10.900(b); requests made under 7 AAC 10.910
A fingerprint-based background check is valid for five years for an individual continuously marked valid in APSIN whose check has not been revoked or made invalid

Arizona

Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care

Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card
Central Registry check
Sex offender registry check

Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood

Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check via DHS Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) — required for owners/operators at application and every 2 years; staff prior to employment and every 2 years; volunteers/therapists/student observers and administrative staff/board members with routine contact (MLR Section 109)
Statewide criminal records check by the Arkansas State Police, Identification Bureau, including the Arkansas Sexual Offender Registry (MLR Sections 109/110)
Nationwide fingerprint-based FBI criminal history records check submitted through the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau, plus a National Sex Offender Registry check (MLR Sections 109/110)
Required for owners/operators, directors, all staff, volunteers, therapists, student observers, and administrative/board members with routine contact with children; statutory basis Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-606 (Criminal history records checks required) and § 20-38-101 et seq. (NOTE: the older § 20-78-601–605, including § 20-78-602, were REPEALED by Act 762 of 2009)

California

California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division

DOJ fingerprint clearance for all employees, volunteers, and household members
FBI fingerprint clearance
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) acknowledgment

Colorado

Colorado Department of Early Childhood

Fingerprint-based criminal history record check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), submitted via a CBI-approved fingerprint vendor (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.121 - Criminal Record Check)
Child abuse/neglect background inquiry through the CDEC automated system (Trails), on the state-prescribed form, for operators, applicants, and employees; renewed every 5 years (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.120 - Child Abuse or Neglect for Background and Employment Inquiries)
Checks must be completed before an individual cares for children or has unsupervised access; for residents of a licensed facility, a criminal record check at annual declaration applies to those who have not previously obtained one (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.121(C))
Notification of Name Removal form must be submitted when an individual leaves employment, to remove their name from the facility license number in the CBI database (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.121(D)(1))

Connecticut

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

Comprehensive background checks required for prospective employees in positions providing care to or with unsupervised access to children (CGS Sec. 19a-80(c)); checks conducted at least once every five years per CGS Sec. 10-530(b) and 45 CFR 98.43
State and national (FBI) criminal history records check via fingerprints, conducted in accordance with CGS Sec. 29-17a
Connecticut child abuse and neglect registry check (state registry established under CGS Sec. 17a-101k) via Dept. of Children and Families
No prospective employee may begin working until the requirements of 45 CFR 98.43(d)(4) are satisfied

Delaware

Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing

Delaware State Police fingerprint-based State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal history check before the start of employment (14 DE Admin. Code 933 §28.3)
FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check; comprehensive background check reviewed by the Criminal History Unit (CHU) - staff may not be alone with children until CHU reviews the results (§28.3.6)
Out-of-state fingerprinted state criminal history search and name-based child abuse/neglect registry search for staff who reside outside Delaware or resided out of state during the past 5 years (§28.3.2; comprehensive background check definition, §3.0)
Adult Abuse Registry check through the Department of Health and Social Services (§28.4)
Disqualification screening, including Child Protection Registry Level III/IV and offenses under 11 Del.C. §8550 (§28); consistent with federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act requirements

Florida

Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Care Licensing

Level 2 background screening (FDLE + FBI fingerprints)
Abuse registry check
Employment history check
5-year rescreening requirement

Georgia

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

GBI fingerprint background check
FBI background check
GCIC records check

Hawaii

Hawaii Department of Human Services

Required by HRS §346-154 (Background checks) and implemented through HAR Chapter 17-801 (referenced by HAR §17-892.2-2(a)(4) and §17-892.2-3) for applicants, employees, prospective employees, and household members
Criminal history record check via the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center under HRS §846-2.7 (state and FBI/national fingerprint-based check)
Sex offender registry check (state and national)
Child abuse/neglect record check and adult abuse perpetrator check (DHS records) per HRS §346-154
New staff must complete background-check requirements within 5 working days of hire (HAR §17-892.2-3(c)); staff who have left the state or stopped doing child care for 180 consecutive days or more must re-comply with HAR ch. 17-801 (HAR §17-892.2-3(c)(2))
Annual background checks: consent must be provided no later than the anniversary date of the last consent (HAR §17-892.2-3(d))
Employment history clearance / verification (DHS 958/959/959A)
Disqualifying basis: conviction of a crime (other than a minor traffic violation involving a fine of $50 or less) or any confirmed child or vulnerable-adult abuse/neglect may result in denial/revocation (HRS §346-154); suitability determined under HAR ch. 17-801

Idaho

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare

Department enhanced background check required for owners, operators, and staff, at least every five (5) years (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.02; Idaho Code §§ 39-1105, 39-1113)
Required for all individuals 13+ with unsupervised direct contact with children and all individuals 13+ in the household or regularly on the premises (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.02.b–.c)
Conducted under IDAPA 16.05.06 (Criminal History and Background Checks) via the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Background Check Unit; fingerprint-based, includes child-protection registry search for jurisdictions of residence over the prior five years (enhanced clearance)
Department may require a background check at any time on any owner, operator, staff, household member, or other 13+ individual with unsupervised direct contact or regularly on the premises (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.04)
For individuals under 18: juvenile justice records check — magistrate-division adjudications, county probation services, and Department records, for each jurisdiction of residence ages 13–18 (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.05)
Family daycare homes caring for 4+ children must comply with §§ 39-1105 and 39-1113 (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.03; Idaho Code §§ 39-1114, 39-1115(3))
After clearance, additional disqualifying convictions/adjudications must be self-disclosed and reported by the owner/operator to the Department within 5 days (IDAPA 16.06.03.009.08)
Disqualifying crimes enumerated in Idaho Code § 39-1113(3)

Illinois

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Illinois State Police background check
CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check
FBI fingerprint check

Indiana

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

National criminal history background check (fingerprint-based) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), processed through IdentoGO/IDEMIA - required before an individual is employed or allowed to volunteer and every 3 years thereafter (IC 12-17.2-4-3)
Indiana State Police (ISP) Limited Criminal History check
Indiana State Sex and Violent Offender Registry check
Child Protection Index check - Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) child abuse and neglect registry determination (grounds tied to a DCS determination of abuse/neglect as defined in IC 31-9-2-14; DCS established under IC 31-25-1-1)
Out-of-state child abuse/neglect registry check for individuals who previously resided out of state (coordinated through the OECOSL Background Check Unit)
New background check generally required if an applicant has not been employed in child care within a defined break-in-service period
Drug testing policy and results maintained for caregivers, obtained before employment/volunteering (IC 12-17.2-4-3.5)
Disqualifying offenses: grounds for denial at IC 12-17.2-4-5 and grounds for revocation at IC 12-17.2-4-32 - felonies related to health/safety of a child, sex offenses (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5.2), dangerous felonies, and substantiated DCS child abuse/neglect determinations

Iowa

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa criminal and child abuse record check, completed before the person's involvement with child care, via the Single Contact Repository (SING)
National (FBI) criminal history check based on fingerprints, submitted to the Iowa Department of Public Safety; repeated for each person every four years
Iowa child abuse registry / dependent adult abuse registry check (Iowa HHS abuse registry)
Sex offender registry check (completed before involvement with child care)
Required under Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-109.6(4) (Record checks); national fingerprint check repeat interval at 441-109.6(4)(d). (Corrected from prior 109.6(6), which does not exist.)

Kansas

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Fingerprint-based background check for the applicant, the licensee, each employee in a preschool or child care center, each volunteer counted in the staff-child ratio, and any other individual regularly in the facility with unsupervised access to children, submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and FBI for national criminal history record check (K.A.R. 28-4-125(b); K.S.A. 65-516(e)-(f)); $48 fee per individual (K.A.R. 28-4-95)
Name-based background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) for individuals specified in K.A.R. 28-4-125(d)
Kansas DCF child abuse and neglect central registry check (K.S.A. 65-516(a)(4), referencing K.S.A. 38-2226)
Kansas offender registration act / national sex offender registry check (K.S.A. 65-516(a)(3), referencing the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq.)
No individual shall work, regularly volunteer, or reside in the facility until the results of the individual's background checks verify the individual is not prohibited under K.S.A. 65-516 (K.A.R. 28-4-125(e))

Kentucky

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General

State and national fingerprint-supported criminal history background check performed by the Department of Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the FBI, including the FBI rap back system (922 KAR 2:280)
Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check via the cabinet
National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) check
Kentucky Sex Offender Registry check
Out-of-state criminal and child-abuse/neglect registry checks for any state of residence within the applicable look-back period (922 KAR 2:280)
Required for: an owner/operator/employee of a child-care provider; a licensee or director; an adult household member of a Type II center; an employee present while a child is receiving care; any person with supervisory or disciplinary control over a child in care; and any person having unsupervised contact with a child in care (922 KAR 2:280); cross-references federal 42 U.S.C. 9858f and 45 C.F.R. 98.43

Louisiana

Louisiana Department of Education

CCCBC (Child Care Criminal Background Check)-based determination of eligibility required from LDOE for each owner, person in governance, volunteer, staff member, employee, independent contractor, and visitor before unsupervised access (Bulletin 137 Chapter 18, §1801, §1807; federal basis 45 CFR 98.43)
Fingerprint-based criminal history check (electronic fingerprints used in parishes where available) via the Department's Child Care Criminal Background Check System (§1811; doe.louisiana.gov CCCBC page)
Provisional employment permitted only with continuous monitoring by a fully-vetted adult pending CCCBC determination (§1804, §1811)
CCCBC process includes a determination of eligibility issued by LDOE; ineligible individuals are prohibited from working in or governing a center (§1801)

Maine

Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Comprehensive background check governed by 10-148 C.M.R. Chapter 34 (Child Care Provider Background Check Licensing Rule), § 3 (Background Checks), administered by the OCFS Background Check Unit
Mandatory fingerprint-based check (fingerprints taken by Maine State Police, forwarded to State Bureau of Identification)
FBI fingerprint check (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) National Sex Offender Registry
State Bureau of Identification (SBI) Maine criminal history repository
Maine Child Abuse and Neglect registry/database
Maine Sex Offender Registry
Child abuse/neglect registry, state criminal history repository, and sex offender registry for each state of residence during the prior 5 years
Required for all current and prospective staff members (and household members over age 18 / any person with unsupervised access to children in applicable settings)
Must be requested at least once every 5 years per individual

Maryland

Maryland State Department of Education

State and federal criminal history records check (fingerprint-based) via the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), Maryland Dept. of Public Safety & Correctional Services
FBI national fingerprint-based criminal background check
Sex offender registry check (in-state and national)
Child abuse and neglect (CPS) registry check via Maryland Dept. of Human Services, Child Protective Services (CPS Background Clearance / Adam Walsh clearance)
Out-of-state criminal, sex offender, and child abuse/neglect registry checks for any state of residence in the prior 5 years
Comprehensive background check required for all staff and adult household members at least once every 5 years; Maryland operates a CJIS rap-back program for ongoing/continuous monitoring of arrests

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care

Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check
SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) check
DCF (Department of Children and Families) background check
Out-of-state background check for recent relocators

Michigan

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems

Michigan State Police ICHAT
FBI fingerprint check
Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry check

Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Background study required for every person required to be studied under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245C, conducted through the commissioner via the NETStudy 2.0 system (Minn. Stat. 245C.05)
Each subject must provide a set of classifiable fingerprints and a photograph (Minn. Stat. 245C.05, subd. 5)
Fingerprints submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for state criminal history and, when required, to the FBI for a national criminal history record check
Review includes Minnesota court records and national crime information databases, plus maltreatment (child abuse/neglect) records
Studies conducted by the licensing-agency commissioner (DCYF; predecessor DHS); recurring/continuous monitoring under NETStudy 2.0

Mississippi

Mississippi State Department of Health

Comprehensive fingerprint-based criminal history records check required on all operators, employees, prospective employees, and child care providers eligible to deliver CCDF-funded services — Rule 1.5.2 (authority: Miss. Code Ann. §43-20-1 et seq.; CCDBG Act of 2014 §658(d); 45 CFR 98.43)
FBI national criminal history records check (NCIC, fingerprint)
State criminal history records check (Mississippi MCIC, fingerprint)
State child abuse registry check
National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) check
State sex offender registry check
Interstate/out-of-state check, if applicable
Valid Letter of Suitability from the MSDH Criminal Records Check Unit required BEFORE a prospective staff member begins work; suitability status electronically accessed, monitored, and maintained via the MSDH agency-maintained website
Comprehensive background check repeated every five (5) years; new check required after a break in service exceeding 180 consecutive days
Volunteers serving 120+ hours/licensure year require a full check (Letter of Suitability); paid employees under age 18 also require a full comprehensive check (Rule 1.5.2(5)–(6))

Missouri

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Comprehensive background check required for each child care staff member (and individuals counted in ratios) — completed/renewed every 5 years per RSMo 210.1080
Fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal history check (Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI)
Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) screening — includes the Central Registry for Child Abuse/Neglect plus additional Missouri databases (administered by DHSS/MSHP)
Sex offender registry check
The provider shall request the results of a criminal background check before a staff member's employment/presence; pending completion, the prospective staff member must be supervised at all times by a staff member with a qualifying result (RSMo 210.1080; provider request duty at 5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(M)). NOTE: the draft's '10-day' abuse-screening claim cited to 19 CSR 30-62.102(2)(K) could not be confirmed — current 5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(K) is a 7-day facility-orientation requirement, not a background-screening deadline.
DESE Office of Childhood eligibility determination submitted via the Comprehensive Background Check Notification form (MO 500-3299) to OCBackgroundChecks@dese.mo.gov per RSMo 210.1080

Montana

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Fingerprint background check through the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) — FBI fingerprint check required every five years (ARM 37.96.1002, Fingerprint and Background Checks)
Check of the Montana Sex Offender Registry and the national Sex Offender Registry via the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) — required annually
Child protective services (CPS) check for Montana and any state of residence in the preceding five years — required annually
Name-based criminal records check for Montana and any state of residence in the preceding five years
Required for facility personnel (directors, owners, teachers, substitutes, volunteers with child contact) and all adults residing in or regularly present at the facility; disqualifying results enumerated in ARM 37.96.1003 (background-check results that MUST result in denial) and ARM 37.96.1004 (results that MAY result in denial)

Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Pre-employment criminal history record check via Nebraska State Patrol or local law enforcement for applicant/licensee, each staff member and volunteer age 19+, and household members age 19+ if home-based; out-of-state check required if the individual has lived in Nebraska less than 12 months - 391 NAC 3-006.03A
Nebraska Child Abuse/Neglect Central Register check (individuals age 13+); conducted by the Department - 391 NAC 3-006.03B(1)
Nebraska Adult Protective Services (APS) Central Registry check (individuals age 18+); conducted by the Department - 391 NAC 3-006.03B(2)
Nebraska State Patrol Sex Offender Registry check (conducted by the applicant/licensee) - 391 NAC 3-006.03B(3)
All registry checks must be completed before the individual assumes responsibility for the care and supervision of children; any individual listed as a perpetrator on any registry must not be on the premises during hours of operation (except a parent-perpetrator solely for drop-off/pick-up) - 391 NAC 3-006.03B
Permanent and tiered (20-year and 5-year) criminal disqualifications apply for enumerated offenses - 391 NAC 3-006.03A1, 3-006.03A2, 3-006.03A3

Nevada

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services

Complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check submitted within 24 hours of date of hire (or date of registration for subsidy providers) and repeated every 5 years (NAC 432A.200(4)(a); statutory authority NRS 432A.170 and NRS 432A.175)
FBI national criminal history records check (fingerprint-based)
Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History
Statewide Central Registry for the Collection of Information Concerning the Abuse or Neglect of a Child (Child Abuse and Neglect System)
Out-of-state criminal history and child abuse/neglect registry checks required for applicants who have not resided in Nevada for the prior 5 years
Submitted and tracked through the Nevada Automated Backgrounds System (NABS); required for every owner/applicant, licensee, operator, employee, volunteer, and resident 18 or older of the facility

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit

Fingerprint-based criminal history records check through the NH Division of State Police and the FBI (national criminal history via biometric identification) — RSA 170-E:7
Check of the National Sex Offender Registry file in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) — RSA 170-E:7
NH Sex Offender Registry and NH abuse-and-neglect registry checks — RSA 170-E:7
Out-of-state sex offender registry and out-of-state criminal history / abuse-and-neglect registry checks for each state of residence in the past 5 years — RSA 170-E:7
Required for owners, directors, child care staff, substitutes, employees, volunteers who may be alone with children or count in ratios, and household members age 10 and older; conducted before employment/residency and re-checked every 5 years — He-C 4002.41

New Jersey

New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing

NJ State Police background check
FBI fingerprint check
Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check

New Mexico

New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department

Background checks conducted per 8.16.2.19 NMAC and 8.16.2.21(A)(2) NMAC in accordance with 8.8.3 NMAC (CYFD/ECECD Background Checks and Employment History Verification rule)
Required for all staff members, educators, volunteers, prospective staff, and any person who may have unsupervised physical access to children (8.16.2.21(A)(2) NMAC)
Fingerprint-based criminal history check (department provides fingerprint instructions) plus FBI national criminal history record check
Employment history verification required in addition to the criminal background check
Notice of provisional employment or a completed background check required PRIOR to a staff member's employment (8.16.2.19 NMAC)
Re-check required at least once every five years from the original date of eligibility, regardless of date of hire or transfer (8.16.2.19 NMAC; 8.16.2.21(A)(2) NMAC)
Transfer of eligibility permitted if found eligible within the past five years and not separated from employment for more than 180 days (8.16.2.19(A)-(B) NMAC; 8.8.3.11 NMAC)
Disqualifying-incident review under 8.8.3 NMAC; an employer may not allow a person with a disqualifying incident to work directly/unsupervised with children (8.16.2.23(A)(1) NMAC)
Persons convicted within the last seven years of a misdemeanor or felony DWI/DUI may not transport children (8.16.2.28(H) NMAC)

New York

New York State Office of Children and Family Services

New York State criminal history check (DCJS)
FBI fingerprint background check
Statewide Central Register (SCR) database check for child abuse/maltreatment
Sex offender registry check

North Carolina

North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education

NC State Bureau of Investigation check
FBI fingerprint check
Responsible Individuals List check

North Dakota

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood Services

Fingerprint-based criminal history record check with an FBI nationwide check, submitted to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), required for owners/applicants, directors, supervisors, emergency designees, substitute and regular staff members, and household members of a residence — at application/hire, within five years of initial approval, and at least once every five years thereafter (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-27(5); N.D.C.C. 50-11.1-06.2 and 12-60-24)
Child Abuse and Neglect Index check / confirmed-determination review under N.D.C.C. ch. 50-25.1 (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-28)
Disqualifying-offense review under N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-27 (enumerated offenses in N.D.C.C. chs./secs. 12.1-16, 12.1-18, 12.1-27.2, 12.1-41, the 12.1-17 assault offenses, 12.1-20 sexual offenses, 14-09-22 abuse of child, 14-09-22.1 neglect of child, and others); completion of five years after final discharge without subsequent charge or conviction is prima facie evidence of sufficient rehabilitation
Nationwide name-based BCI check substituted only when usable fingerprints cannot be obtained after two rejected sets (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-27(5))
Department-approved authorization for background check form required no later than the first day of employment (N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-10-28(2))

Ohio

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification check
FBI background check
CANTS (SACWIS) check

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Department of Human Services

Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) criminal records search conducted by OKDHS (per 10 O.S. § 404.1) [verified]
National criminal history records search based on fingerprint submission (FBI fingerprint-based check, processed through OKDHS Office of Background Investigations) per OAC 340:110-3-282(a) and 10 O.S. § 404.1 [verified]
Restricted Registry (Joshua's List) online search conducted by the facility (OAC 340:110-3-282(b)) [verified]
Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act / Department of Corrections sex offender registry search (state and national repositories) [verified]
Mary Rippy Violent Crime Offenders Registration Act registry search [verified]
Child abuse and neglect registry search for any state of residence within the last 5 years [per 10 O.S. § 404.1]
Nontechnical services worker abuse registry (OSDH) and community services worker registry (OKDHS) searches [verified in 10 O.S. § 404.1 as reproduced in Pub. 14-05]
Out-of-state criminal history / sex offender search if individual lived outside Oklahoma in the last 5 years; criminal history review repeated every 5 years [verified — OAC 340:110-3-282(a) requires re-check every five years]

Oregon

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

Central Background Registry (CBR) enrollment required for all staff, operators, owners, and adults on the premises — administered by DELC/CCLD under OAR 414-061-0000 through 414-061-0120 and OAR 414-305-0310; statutory basis ORS 329A.030
Oregon State Police (OSP) criminal records check
FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check (OAR 414-061-0080)
Child abuse and neglect (DHS Child Welfare) records check
Adult Protective Services check and foster care certification check
CBR enrollment is approved for a 5-year period; conditional enrollment (valid up to 1 year) is allowed pending FBI results, during which the individual must not have unsupervised access to children

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services

Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record
FBI fingerprint check (Act 73)
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Register check

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Human Services

Required for all individuals working or engaging directly with children (employees and volunteers), prior to assignment of child care duties and every five (5) years thereafter (218-RICR-70-00-1.12(A))
Statewide criminal records check (BCI) and nationwide FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check processed through the RI Attorney General / Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check through the RI Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF)
State Sex Offender Registry (RISOR) and National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) checks
Interstate criminal, sex-offender registry, and child-abuse/neglect registry checks for any individual who lived outside Rhode Island in the previous five years
Employer must submit a signed affidavit to the RI Attorney General's office validating employment before BCI processing; comprehensive fingerprint fees at the RIAG Cranston office are waived (effective May 5, 2021 through June 30, 2026) for child care staff
Applicant/staff may appeal disqualifying findings within 30 days of written notification (218-RICR-70-00-1.12(A))

South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Social Services

State fingerprint review through the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) before teacher/caregiver employment or service — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(a); S.C. Code 63-13-40
FBI national fingerprint-based criminal history check (submitted within 14 business days of receiving SLED results; provisional employment allowed after favorable SLED review) — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(b)
South Carolina Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect check for the director(s) and each staff person (except volunteers) — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(1)(b)
Sex Offender Registry: no person required to register under S.C. Code 23-3-430 may be employed, have services engaged, or be knowingly allowed in the facility during normal hours of operation — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(c)
Disqualifying offenses: crimes under Title 16 Chapter 3 (Offenses Against the Person), Title 16 Chapter 15 (Offenses Against Morality and Decency), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (S.C. Code 16-17-490) — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(1)(a) and 114-503.K.(2)(c)
Fingerprint reviews valid while employment continues; repeated after a break in service of one year or longer — S.C. Code Regs. 114-503.K.(2)(d)

South Dakota

South Dakota Department of Social Services

FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check (federal)
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) state criminal registry check (fingerprint-based)
South Dakota Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect check
South Dakota Sex Offender Registry check
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check
Out-of-state criminal record, central registry, and sex offender registry screening for any state of residence in the prior 5 years (individuals age 18+)
Required for licensed/registered, informal, and in-home child care providers, staff, and household members with access to children; in-state screenings repeated at least once every 5 years. Persons on the sex offender registry or central child abuse/neglect registry are prohibited from working/residing in care (SDCL 26-6-14.10, 26-6-14.11)

Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Human Services

Fingerprint-based criminal background check for owners/operators, employees, directors, managers, substitutes working 36+ hours/year in adult:child ratios, and any person age 15 or older who resides in the child care agency (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.07; fingerprinting per T.C.A. 71-3-507 and the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act)
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) state criminal history check
FBI national fingerprint-based criminal history check
Sex Offender Registry check (listing on the registry is disqualifying)
Department of Children's Services (DCS) substantiated abuse/neglect records check
Tennessee Vulnerable Persons Registry check
Background checks required at least every five (5) years; non-waivable disqualifiers include appearing on a state sex offender registry and felony convictions for murder, child abuse or neglect, or a crime against children

Texas

Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal history check
FBI fingerprint-based national check
Child Abuse/Neglect (CAN) registry check
Sex offender registry check

Utah

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Fingerprint-based criminal background check required for all covered individuals age 16 and older (providers, directors, designees, caregivers, staff, volunteers), plus household members age 12 and older — submitted and authorized through the DLBC/Office of Background Processing provider portal (Utah Admin. Code R381-100-8 — Background Checks)
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) / Department of Public Safety (DPS) — state criminal history
FBI national criminal history check (fingerprint-based)
Utah and national Sex Offender Registry check
Licensing Information System (LIS) / DCFS child abuse and neglect supported-findings check
Renewal required if a covered individual has not been associated with an active CCL-approved child care facility within the prior 180 days, or has resided outside Utah since the last background check

Vermont

Vermont Department for Children and Families

Records Check Authorization form submitted to the Division before any new staff/auxiliary staff/individual regularly present works with children (Rule 7.2.1, 7.2.2)
Fingerprint-based criminal background check; fingerprinting occurs after the Division issues a Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate, and the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) processes the clearance within 45 days of receiving all documentation (Rule 7.2.2, 7.2.5)
Child abuse/neglect substantiation check (prohibited if substantiated under Chapters 49 and 69 of Title 33 V.S.A.) (Rule 7.2.6)
State sex offender registry and National Sex Offender Registry check (registry established under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006) (Rule 7.2.6)
Ongoing re-check: a new Records Check Authorization form (and fingerprinting as required) must be submitted at least once every 5 years (Rule 2.3.9.3; the Division may reuse a check on file completed within the last 5 years per Rule 7.2.3); no person may be left alone with children without Division approval based on results (Rules 7.2.4, 6.2.6.6)

Virginia

Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs

Virginia State Police background check
FBI fingerprint check
Child Protective Services (CPS) registry check

Washington

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Washington State Patrol background check
FBI fingerprint check
DCYF Background Check Central Unit check

West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Human Services

WV CARES (West Virginia Clearance for Access: Registry and Employment Screening) state-and-federal fingerprint-based criminal background investigation and fitness determination of eligibility — required before any contact/work with children; authority W. Va. Code §16-49-1 et seq. and 69 CSR 10 (§78-1-8.4.c)
WV CARES self-disclosure application and consent form on file and uploaded to WV CARES no later than the date of hire (§78-1-8.4.c.1)
Fitness determination of eligibility from the WV CARES unit (§78-1-8.4.c.3); no person may work with children prior to the center receiving the fitness determination (§78-1-8.4.f)
Background check updated/maintained at expiration of rap back enrollment (§78-1-8.4.c.4)
State background check completed in any other state where the staff member or volunteer resided in the past five years (§78-1-8.4.c.5)
Sex offender registry/repository check on each staff member and volunteer, including any other state of residence in the past five years (§78-1-8.4.c.6, §78-1-8.4.c.7)
Search of state-based child and adult abuse and neglect registries and protective services databases in each state of residence during the preceding five years, repeated every five years (§78-1-8.4.d)
Hiring prohibitions for disqualifying offenses as defined in W. Va. Code §16-49-1(8) / 69 CSR 10-2.10, absent a Secretary-granted waiver or variance (§78-1-8.5)
For individuals over 13 and under 18 with regular direct contact with children, a signed parental affidavit that the individual has never been arrested or convicted of an offense against a person (§78-1-8.4.h)

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Caregiver background check required under s. 48.686, Stats., and Wis. Admin. Code ch. DCF 13 ('Background Checks for Child Care Programs', promulgated under ss. 48.67(intro.), 48.686, and 227.11(2)(a), Stats.). (s. 48.685, Stats., governs background checks for other DCF/DHS-regulated entities, not child care centers specifically.)
FBI fingerprint-based background check submitted through Fieldprint for applicants, licensees, caregivers, non-caregiver employees, contractors, and household members/residents age 10 or older
Wisconsin DOJ (Department of Justice) criminal history check plus DCF Background Check Unit eligibility determination
Search of DCF caregiver misconduct / child abuse and neglect records and the Wisconsin sex offender registry; barred offenses per DCF-P-5206
Fingerprints renewed every 5 years; non-fingerprint name-based checks rechecked periodically

Wyoming

Wyoming Department of Family Services

Central Registry / child abuse & neglect check in Wyoming and in all states lived in for the past 5 years — completed annually for Wyoming (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(A), (A)(I))
State Sex Offender Registry check for Wyoming and each state lived in for the past 5 years — completed annually (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(A)(I), (B))
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) National Sex Offender Registry check (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(B))
Full FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history background check (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(C))
State criminal history check for Wyoming and each state lived in for the past 5 years (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i)(D))
Recheck cycle: FBI criminal history, state criminal history, and National Sex Offender Registry checks every 5 years (Section 3(g)(ii)); Central Registry abuse/neglect and state Sex Offender Registry checks annually (Section 3(g)(i)(A)(I)); the Department may require new checks at any time (Section 3(g)(iii))
Applies to: owners, directors, adult staff, employees, substitutes, and volunteers in the facility during operating hours, plus household members 18+ residing in or moving into the facility — completed PRIOR to working/providing direct care (Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(i))
Disqualifiers: conviction or pending deferred prosecution of specified felonies/misdemeanors (child abuse/neglect/abandonment/exploitation/endangerment, sexual offenses, violence, crimes against children or vulnerable adults, certain drug/alcohol offenses, etc.) — Ch. 11 Section 3(g)(iv) and Section 3(h); review/rehabilitation process in Section 3(h)

What it costs and how long it takes

Background-check fees are paid per person and are separate from the licensing application fee. Budget roughly $30 to $100 per staff member, plus time. Fingerprint results can come back in days, but the full clearance can take two to six weeks when the FBI national check or a registry search is backed up. Some states tie screening to a specific credential — Arizona issues a Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance card that childcare staff must hold.

Start early. Most states will not let a new hire work alone with children until every required check has cleared. Submit fingerprints the day you make an offer, not the week you want them to start.

Frequently asked questions about childcare background checks

What background checks are required to work in childcare?: Every state requires a criminal background check before anyone works with children in a licensed program, and all 50 states run that check against three things: a state criminal history search, an FBI fingerprint-based national search, and the state's child abuse and neglect registry. Most states also search the sex offender registry. The exact agency names differ — California uses DOJ and FBI fingerprinting plus a CANRA acknowledgment, Texas uses a DPS criminal history check, and New York runs DCJS and the Statewide Central Register — but the four-part shape is consistent nationwide.
Who has to pass a background check at a daycare?: Not just teachers. Licensing rules apply the screening to the provider or director, every staff member, and in most states every volunteer and every adult who lives in or regularly works at the facility. For a home daycare, that means every adult in the household. No one is allowed to be alone with children until their check clears.
How long does a childcare background check take?: Fingerprint-based results often come back in a few days to a few weeks, but the full clearance can take longer when the FBI national check or a child abuse registry search is backlogged. Plan for two to six weeks and submit early — most states will not let a new hire start working alone with children until every required check has cleared.
How much does a childcare background check cost?: The fee is usually paid per person and ranges from roughly $30 to $100, depending on the state and how many separate checks are bundled. Arizona, for example, requires a Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance card for childcare staff. The background-check fee is separate from your state's licensing application fee — see the licensing fees reference for how the two add up across a real first-year budget.
Do background checks need to be renewed for childcare workers?: In many states, yes. Several require periodic rescreening — Florida shortened its rescreening cycle to every four years under §402.305 — and continuous-monitoring or rap-back systems flag new arrests on already-cleared staff in some states. Always confirm your state's rescreening interval with its licensing office, because failing to rescreen on time is a common deficiency citation.

Keep going

State Childcare Licensing Requirements

Full licensing rules, ratios, and required policies for your state.

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Childcare Licensing Fees by State

How the licensing fee and the background-check fee add up across all 50 states.

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How to Start a Daycare: Complete Guide

From program type through opening day, including hiring and staff screening.

Read the guide →

How Much Does a Daycare License Cost?

The full first-year cost breakdown, including per-staff background checks.

See the costs →

Hiring staff?

Your handbook needs a background-check policy too

Clearing your staff is one requirement. Writing it down is another — most states want your background-check and staff policies documented in the handbook your licensor reviews. The TotReady Center Pack builds your parent handbook, staff handbook, and operations manual to your state's rules, so the policy that backs up your screening is inspection-ready.

See the Center Pack →

One-time purchase · State-specific · All 50 states

Background-check requirements are compiled from published state licensing rules and are provided for informational purposes only. Screening rules and renewal intervals change frequently — always verify current requirements with your state's childcare licensing agency before you hire. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.