Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing

Pennsylvania Childcare Background Check Requirements (2026)

Every adult with unsupervised access to children at a licensed Pennsylvania childcare center must clear a multi-part background check before being counted in ratio. Pennsylvania requires 4 distinct screening components.

Licensing Agency

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Pennsylvania Background Check Requirements: The Specifics

Pennsylvania childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record.

Pennsylvania childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: FBI fingerprint check (Act 73).

Pennsylvania childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151).

Pennsylvania childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Register check.

Pennsylvania Background Check Requirements Checklist

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

Go Deeper

All Pennsylvania requirementsThe full Pennsylvania licensing overview.Compare all 50 statesSee background check requirements side by side.Read the guidePractical how-to for this topic.

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Pennsylvania Background Check Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

What background checks does Pennsylvania require for childcare staff?

Pennsylvania requires the following screenings: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record; FBI fingerprint check (Act 73); Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151); Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Register check.

Do background checks need to be repeated in Pennsylvania?

Many states require periodic re-screening (often every 5 years) in addition to the initial check. Confirm the current Pennsylvania re-screening interval with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services.

Who must be screened at a Pennsylvania center?

Any staff member, substitute, or volunteer with unsupervised access to children must clear the required Pennsylvania screenings before working with children.

Pennsylvania childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Pennsylvania administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.