Background Check Checklist for Contracting and Staffing Agencies

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This checklist was created to assist contracting and staffing agencies in applying to work at a regulated child care facility, and how to comply with the state requirements.

1. Request a Program Provider Number

2. Log in to the Child Care Provider Portal

3. Submit each Contractor, Employee, or Staff Member Providing Services to a Child Care Center or Program

  • Enter the “Individuals” tab within the CCPP.
  • Add any employees or staff.
  • Select the “Details” button for each new individual in the “Individuals” tab and complete the online Background Check Request (BCR) form for all individuals.
    • The Fieldprint instruction letter will be mailed to the individual at their home address listed in the CCPP and will also be available in the CCPP.
  • Each individual should follow the Fieldprint instruction letter, once received, to schedule a fingerprint appointment.
    • Instructions for scheduling can also be found at the Scheduling a Fieldprint Fingerprint Scan Appointment PDF. 
    • Remember to use the unique code assigned to each individual only once.
    • A processing fee of $39 will be collected at time of scheduling. *There is no law defining who must pay for the fee. It is up to the company’s discretion whether to pay for it or to require the employee to pay for it.
    • Two forms of ID must be presented at time of appointment.
  • Every individual must attend the scheduled appointment. Any missed appointment will require another $7.75 fee to reschedule. To reschedule without a fee, please call Fieldprint at 1-877-614-4364 before a scheduled appointment.
  • *If there are no livescan Fieldprint locations within 35 miles, Fieldprint will mail a fingerprint card kit which can be processed at a local law enforcement agency. (Rolled prints may incur additional fees).

4. Wait for Approval of New Employees

  • Notice of preliminary eligibility will be mailed to the individual within 5-7 days to the address on file and will also be available in the CCPP.
    • Preliminary eligibility allows an individual to work with children while under periodic direct observation of another person who has obtained final eligibility through a DCF approved background check.
    • Individuals are unable to work at a care center, or with a provider, until they receive a preliminary eligibility letter.
    • Individuals are unable to work without supervision until they receive a final eligibility letter.
    • Individuals may request an email copy of the letter from the Child Care Background Unit (CBU).
  • Final eligibility will be determined in approximately 45 business days. The notices will be mailed to the individual’s address on file and will also be available in the CCPP.

5. Adjust Status in the CCPP

  • Inactivate any individuals who have been found ineligible, unless you are informed of an appeal.
  • Change individuals with final eligibility from a prospective individual to a current individual in the individual profile.
  • Remember to budget $10 each year for the individual’s annual DOJ background check.
  • Inactivate any individuals who are no longer employed or staffed at your agency.

6. For Contractors Currently Active at a Program or Center

  • DCF began running checks on currently active caregivers and noncaregiver employees on January 1, 2019.
  • Individuals who have not had a fingerprint check conducted by DCF and are active at a child care center will require a new background check when that facility’s existing employees are due.
  • No individual may begin a new placement with a child care program without undergoing the fingerprint-based background check process.