Recent legislation changed the way that criminal record checks must be done for child care providers. The law now requires that a background check be completed prior to the hiring of an individual. It also requires that a federal check be completed for everyone. Specific details about who must complete a background check are in the instructions found below.

This change provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen the oversight for those individuals who work with one of the most vulnerable populations in the state. The new purple 'bubble' sheets have been sent to resource and referral agencies across the state. These are the forms that must be used when submitting criminal record check forms. They are also available from our Raleigh office by calling 800-859-0829 or from Child Care Consultants in your area.

The new system will be put into place on March 4th 2013.
Any child care facility staff that is currently in the process of being hired may continue to submit criminal record check information using the current process until the end of February. As of February 28, 2013 the Division will not be able to process any of the old forms, and the forms will be returned to the sender so that the new process is used.

Between March 4, 2013 and March 31, 2013 providers will not be cited out of compliance by a Child Care Consultant if they hire a new staff person and the staff did not receive a qualification letter prior to being hired. During this time the new process will still need to be followed but it can be completed after a staff member is hired

For any staff that begins work as of April 1, 2013, a qualification letter must be on file at the facility prior to the staff member's first day of work. If not, the Child Care Consultant will cite a violation with child care requirements.

The option to receive the CRC Qualification Letter by email will be available in the future.

We appreciate your cooperation during this transition time as we work to improve safety in our child care programs in North Carolina.

For more detailed information about these changes, please view the links below:

• New CRC Law Requirements
• 2013 Information Guide & Checklist for Child Care Providers
• CRC Basic Instructions Guide 2013
• Mandatory Notice (DCD0049)
• Online Payment for Criminal Background Check

Live Scan fingerprinting involves taking digital fingerprint impressions and transmitting those impressions directly to the State Bureau of Investigation for processing without generating a fingerprint card.

• Information for Child Care (Live Scan)
• Child Care Electronic Prints Form 1 (Release)
• Child Care Electronic Prints Form 2 (Applicant Information)
• Approved Agency Guide