Vermont Childcare Background Check Requirements (2026)

Vermont childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: 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).

Vermont childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: 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).

Vermont childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: Child abuse/neglect substantiation check (prohibited if substantiated under Chapters 49 and 69 of Title 33 V.S.A.) (Rule 7.2.6).

Vermont childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: 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).

Vermont childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: 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).

What background checks does Vermont require for childcare staff?

Vermont requires the following screenings: 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).

Do background checks need to be repeated in Vermont?

Many states require periodic re-screening (often every 5 years) in addition to the initial check. Confirm the current Vermont re-screening interval with the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division (CDD) — Child Care Licensing Unit.

Who must be screened at a Vermont center?

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