Principle 6: Background Checks

Extensive Background Checks are Necessary in Minnesota

State background check requirements are different in every state, and very few states require an extensive background check which includes checking FBI records, using fingerprints to verify criminal records, and checking the child abuse and sex offender registries.  Millions of children attend child care centers throughout the United States and it’s important that families feel confident in the care and safety that’s being provided by these centers.  Most child care employees choose to work in the field because of the passion they have to work with children.  However, some adults that should not be working closely with this vulnerable population are able to obtain a child care position.  According to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) more than 25% of potential child care center employees had a criminal record in a state other than the one they had currently resided in (2011).  Requiring stricter, more in-depth background checks for child care employees would make it much more difficult for adults that have criminal records to get hired at a day care center.

         MN Background Checks Should Include the Following:

            FBI Records obtained by fingerprinting

             State Criminal Report obtained by fingerprinting

             Check the MN Child Abuse Registry

             Check the MN Sexual Offender Registry

Fingerprint Checks

By conducting extensive background checks, any potential employee would be screened nationwide with the requirement of fingerprint checks.  As of 2011, only 30 states require federal fingerprint records, and 28 states require state fingerprint records (NACCRRA, 2011).  Currently, the state of Minnesota does not require state or federal fingerprints from child care center employees.  Fingerprint checks would eliminate potentially dangerous employees from working directly with vulnerable individuals, such as children.  Employers could cover the cost of fingerprinting or require applicants to pay for the service themselves as part of  hiring requirements.  So how much does it cost for this service?  In Minnesota, both Hennepin and Ramsey County charge $15 for fingerprinting services.

Sexual Predator and Child Abuse Registries

Minnesota does not require employers to check the sex offender and child abuse registries for child care applicants.  As of March 2011, only 17 states require child care center employers to check the sex offender registry before hiring any potential employee (NACCRRA, 2012).  In 2009,  a study was conducted in North Carolina that examined 123 childcare providers to see if they utilized the online sex offender registry or not.  Results found that only 37.9% utilized the online sex offender registry for “work purposes” and only 3.2% of those who knew about the sex offender registry were required by work policy to check it (White & Malesky, 2009).  It’s important for child care employers to screen every employee, especially checking the sex offender and child abuse registries.  Access to both registries is simple and easy online, however not all employers have computers or internet service.  Employers who do not have computer access are encouraged to call The Minnesota Department of Corrections to have a potential employee screen over the phone.