Background checks are required for every childcare worker in every state — but the requirements vary significantly. Understanding what's actually checked helps you ask the right questions.
What Most State Checks Cover
- State criminal database — Felonies and misdemeanors in that state
- State sex offender registry
- Child abuse and neglect registry (central registry)
- Fingerprint check — varies; some states require FBI-level fingerprinting
What They Often Miss
- Criminal records in other states — Someone arrested in Florida may clear a New York check
- FBI national database — Only ~30 states require FBI fingerprinting for all childcare workers
- Civil records — Lawsuits, restraining orders not in criminal databases
- Out-of-state abuse registries — Many states don't check other states' registries
What You Can Verify Yourself
- Licensing status — Your state's childcare licensing website shows current license and any violations
- Inspection history — Public record in most states; ask the center for their last 2 reports
- Sex offender registry — Search NSO.gov for any registered offenders at the address
Best practice: Ask your center directly: "Do you conduct FBI-level fingerprint checks on all staff, including part-time?" The answer tells you a lot about their safety culture.
When evaluating centers, use our 30-question checklist — it covers background check questions specifically.
