Background Check Requirements for Child Care Staff
Federal law requires all states to ensure that all staff in regulated child care programs pass state and federal criminal background checks. Required background checks play an essential role in ensuring your child is safe in a child care program. Child care programs must submit requests for background checks before the staff member is hired and then at least once every 5 years. The background check process ensures staff don’t have a history of convictions that could put your child’s health and safety at risk. For information about offenses that would prevent a person from being employed by a child care provider, please see Section 6 of 922 KAR 2:280.
For more additional information, please visit:
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/find-care.aspx
and
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/nationalbackgroundcheck.aspx
Changes to License
Any changes to the license require submission of a Change Application Form. This form along with all qualifying documents must be submitted to: chfsoigrccportal@ky.gov or fax to: (502) 564-9350.
Submit the License Change Application form for
□ Change of Location
□ Change of Space/Capacity
□ Change of Service
□ Change of Days and/or Hours of Operation
□ Name of Center
Child Care Regulation Committee
Send regulation questions to the Child Care Regulation Committee at childcare.regulation@ky.gov.
Attach pictures as needed to provide additional clarification. The CCRC will provide a written response regarding regulatory matters.
Note: The CCRC will not respond to a question regarding an active survey or investigation.
Kentucky Child Care Regulations
Regulations are overseen by Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care. A full list of child care regulations is available in Chapter 2 Day Care at: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/TITLE922.HTM
Child-care center staff shall be provided with a copy of 922 KAR 2:090, 922 KAR 2:120, and 922 KAR 2:280.
The KYNECT Public Child Care Search lists providers certified or licensed through the Division of Child Care. You can also view inspection reports, hours of operation, and Kentucky All STARS levels.
Standards of Practice for Child Care Providers
This document is intended to educate and inform child care providers, Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Regulated Child Care employees and child care Technical Assistance providers about the regulatory standards for licensed and certified family child care providers.
Updated! Effective 7/21/22
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Documents/soplicensed.pdf
- Changes to food preparation and meal requirements for centers who provide meals and centers who do not provide meals
- Changes to screen time limits
- Changes to physical activity requirements
- Changes to serving sugary drinks
- Requirements on lockdown/shelter-in-place drills
- Changes to safe sleep requirements
The Licensed Standards of Practice (SOP) is being revised to reflect the 2/13/2025 amended regulations.
Caring for Our Children, 4th Edition
Child Care Health Consultation Posters and Handouts
Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC)
Governor’s Office for Early Childhood Education
KYNECT (previously Benefind) Child Care Provider Search Tool
Learn the Signs. Act Early. | CDC
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Chequeo a Través del Registro Central de Cuidado Infantil – DCC-374 Central Registry Check for Licensed Certified Registered (CAN Check) – Spanish
¿Cuàl es la apariencia de un ambiente seguro para dormer – Safe Sleep Environment – Spanish
Formulario de consentimiento animal – Example Animal Consent Form – Spanish
Formulario de Renovación de la Licencia para el Centro de Cuidado Infantil – Licensed Renewal Packet – Spanish
Hoja de recomendaciones para proveedores acerca del Programa Nacional de Verificación de Antecedentes (NBCP, por sus siglas en inglés) – Tip Sheet for the National Background Check Program – Spanish
Para Cambiar un Pañal – How to Change a Diaper – Diapering Steps Posting – Spanish
Pasos de Lavar las Manos – Steps to Handwashing – Handwashing Posting – Spanish
Annual Professional Development Plan
Approved First Aid and CPR Courses
Director Qualifications Worksheet
Example Job Description – Assistant Director
Example Job Description – Assistant Teacher
Example Job Description – Cook
Example Job Description – Director
Example Job Description – Lead Teacher
Example Job Description – Vehicle Driver
Example Interview Questions – Assistant Director
Example Interview Questions – Assistant Teacher
Example Interview Questions – Cook
Example Interview Questions – Director
Example Interview Questions – Lead Teacher
Example Staff Records Coversheet
Suggested Content for Staff Handbook
Tip Sheet for Calculating Annual Training Hours
Tip Sheet for Establishing a Date of Hire for Child Care Center Staff
Tip Sheet for Hiring Staff under Age 18 *updated 3/25
Tip Sheet for New Hire *updated 8/24
Tip Sheet for Sharing Staff Within Your Company
Tip Sheet for Substitute Staff from Temporary Staffing Agency
Example Daily Transportation Log
Example Field Trip Release Form
Example Release to Ride the School Bus
Example Walking Field Trip Roster
Example Monthly Emergency Drills Form
Facility Owned Vehicle – Daily Vehicle Inspection
Facility Owned Vehicle – Field Trip Only Transportation Policies and Procedures
Facility Owned Vehicle – Daily Transportation Policies and Procedures
Heatstroke Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Kentucky Driver History Records
Kentucky Safety Facts – Child Seat Safety
Third Party Vehicle – Daily Transport Policies and Procedures
Third Party Vehicle – Field Trip Only Transportation Policies and Procedures
