Background Check Information

The Federal Office of Child Care requires comprehensive background checks -- including fingerprinting -- for all people that meet certain criteria while living, working, or volunteering in child care facilities, including those working unsupervised. Background check requirements are protections intended to reduce the risk of abuse or neglect for children in regulated out-of-home child care settings. Parents need to be confident that individuals caring for their children do not have prior records of behavior that could endanger children.

  1. Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Documents

  1. General Background Check FAQs (PDF)
  2. Licensed Day Care Home and Group Day Care Home Background FAQs (PDF)
  3. Child Care Center and Preschool Background FAQs (PDF)
  4. School Age Program and Drop In Program Background FAQs (PDF)
  5. FAQs for Revised Fingerprint Waiver Form FAQs (PDF)

Fingerprinting Information

If you have been notified that you need to get fingerprinted by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Child Care Licensing (CCL) or your child care facility, follow the steps outlined. An email notification detailing the next steps will be sent from KDHE CCL when an affiliate is required to complete a waiver and get fingerprints. View an example of KDHE CLARIS email (PDF).

Step 1: Submit Your Fingerprint Waiver

There are two options for Fingerprint Waivers - either a digital or paper waiver.

  1. Digital Waiver
  2. Paper Waiver

Online Fingerprint Waiver

The digital option is fast and secure. Upon completion, your fingerprint waiver will be automatically sent to KDHE, and a copy will be emailed to you. Once the digital waiver is submitted, no further action required for Step 1. Submit your fingerprint waiver.

Step 2: Find a Fingerprint Location

After You receive notification from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that a fingerprint is needed. 

View List of Authorized Finger Printing Location Sites (PDF) Note: This list is not all-inclusive. Additional KBI authorized locations may be available in your area.

Step 3: Fingerprinting Options

There are two options to get fingerprints taken: digital or ink on a fingerprint card. 

  1. Digital Fingerprints
  2. Ink Fingerprint Card

Digital Fingerprints

Inkless fingerprinting using digital technology is available in some locations. The LiveScan location will process your prints using one of the methods below:

  • Electronically transfer images of fingerprints and personal information to KBI,

 OR

  • Your prints are taken with a digital scanner and printed onto a fingerprint card. The printed fingerprint card (including completed paper waiver if you did not submit your waiver online) will need to be mailed to the following address:

    KDHE Child Care Licensing
    1000 SW Jackson, Ste. 200
    Topeka, KS 66612

The location you choose will let you know which method they use.

Step 4: Get your Fingerprints Taken

Visit the site at the designated appointment date/time and get prints taken. Be sure the required documentation is taken to the site for each person. Failure to provide any of these documents/information may result in refusal to have fingerprints taken.  

  • Government-issued photo ID;
  • KDHE OCA# assigned (unique to the person); 
  • Required KBI Information form (PDF) with KDHE OCA# written on the form (form only required at Law Enforcement locations); and
  • KDHE Child Care Licensing Originating Identifier (ORI) code KS920100Z. This code is required at all fingerprinting locations to ensure the KBI sends the results to KDHE CCL.
  • Mail the completed fingerprint card and waiver (if not completed online) to the following address:

KDHE Child Care Licensing
1000 SW Jackson Street, Ste. 200
Topeka, KS 66612

NOTE: The child care facility will be notified of the background check results. 

More About Background Checks 

  1. General Information
  2. Out-of-State Background Checks
  3. Previously Lived in Kansas

More Information

  • Some locations have limited hours or require appointments and may charge a small fee for fingerprinting. No state fees apply for background checks or fingerprinting.

  • A "Cleared" status will not be issued until all background checks are completed and fingerprint results are released by KBI. This includes any out-of-state background checks.

  • If you currently live or have lived in a state other than Kansas within the last 5 years, additional information from the facility is required to comply with federal requirements. See Out-of-State Background Checks tab for more information.

  • For fingerprint cards, find your local surveyor (PDF).

  • If you have any questions regarding the background check process, contact Child Care Licensing Program by email the Child Care Licensing Program or phone at 785-296-1270.
  1. Common Prohibited Offenses
  2. Policies & Regulations

Common Prohibited Offenses

By submitting the names of your affiliates to Child Care Licensing, you are attesting to the fact that you are not knowingly maintaining a child care facility if there resides, works, or regularly volunteers any person who is prohibited pursuant to K.S.A. 65-516. Learn more about common prohibited offenses (PDF).