Parents trust childcare providers with the most important people in their lives. To protect children, Ohio requires comprehensive background checks for people who work in childcare settings. If you are opening a daycare, joining a childcare center, or becoming a home based provider, fingerprinting is likely one of your first steps.

Who Needs a Childcare Background Check

Childcare background check requirements in Ohio commonly apply to:

• Childcare center owners, administrators, and staff
• Family childcare home providers
• Adults living in a family childcare home
• Substitute and part time childcare employees
• Some volunteers and support staff with access to children

The specific rules depend on the type of program and the agency that licenses or certifies it. Your employer or the licensing agency will provide the requirements that apply to you.

Comprehensive Checks

Childcare checks in Ohio commonly include both a BCI check of Ohio records and an FBI check of national records. Depending on the program, additional registry checks may also be required. Follow the instructions from your employer or licensing agency carefully, including the reason code and where results should be sent.

Renewals and Periodic Checks

Childcare background checks are not always a one time requirement. Many programs require periodic rechecks. Keep track of when your check was completed and ask your employer when a new one will be due.

Avoiding Delays

New childcare employees often cannot work alone with children until background checks are complete. To avoid delaying your start date:

• Get fingerprinted as soon as you receive an offer
• Confirm the reason code before your appointment
• Bring a valid government issued photo ID
• Keep your receipt and share it with your employer if requested

For Program Owners and Directors

If you manage a childcare program, building a simple onboarding process for background checks can save time. Provide new hires with written instructions that include the reason code, results recipient, and a list of approved fingerprinting locations. Some employers also arrange group appointments for new staff.

Fingerprinting for Mahoning Valley Childcare Providers

Our Youngstown office serves childcare professionals throughout Boardman, Canfield, Poland, Austintown, Struthers, Campbell, Girard, Niles, and Warren. We submit BCI and FBI checks electronically through Ohio WebCheck and take care to capture clear prints so your submission is not delayed.

Learn more on our fingerprinting services page. This article provides general information. Always confirm the current requirements with your licensing agency or employer.