Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Child Care Licensing
Child Care Background Check Process
Who Needs a Background Check?
Child care staff members include:
- Child Care Providers: Individuals who run child care facilities.
- Employees: All paid staff, including contract workers and self-employed individuals.
- Volunteers: Those involved in the care or supervision of children, especially if they have unsupervised access.
- Residents of Family Child Care Homes: Anyone aged 18 or older residing in a family child care setting.
Comprehensive Background Check Requirements
The comprehensive background check encompasses several components:
- Fingerprinting: A critical element that helps verify identity and background.
- Sex Offender Registry Search: Ensures that staff members do not have a history of offenses against children.
- Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) Screening: Additional verification to promote safety within the child care environment.
Renewal and Frequency
It’s important to note that a comprehensive background check must be completed for each staff member every five years. If an individual already has an eligibility letter issued by the Office of Childhood, the Department of Social Services, or the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) dated within the last five years, they do not need to be fingerprinted again, provided they haven’t been separated from child care employment for more than 180 days.
Requesting Fingerprinting Instructions
Fingerprinting for Minors
Minors follow the same fingerprinting steps as adults. However, they must present a photo ID that includes their picture and home address. If such identification isn’t available, a parent must accompany the minor to the fingerprinting location and provide a copy of the minor’s social security card or birth certificate. Additionally, the parent must sign a Missouri Photo ID Waiver for Minors form during the fingerprinting process. To obtain this form, email OCBackgroundChecks@dese.mo.gov. For questions regarding acceptable identification, contact the appropriate office.
Why Choose STL Fingerprinting?
ORI Number
When conducting background checks, it’s vital to include the correct ORI number. This unique identifier is crucial for ensuring that the background check results are directed to the appropriate licensing authority.
Child Care Background Checks In Missouri
ORI: MO782643Z
