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Background Check Information
The Federal Office of Child Care required comprehensive background checks for all people living, working, or volunteering in child care facilities that meet certain criteria, including working unsupervised. A comprehensive background check includes fingerprinting. 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.
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. Return your completed paper waiver to KDHE CCL.
Online Fingerprint Waiver
The digital option is fast and secure by using your KDHE CLARIS Person ID#. Follow these steps:
- Submit a registration request using your KDHE CLARIS Person ID# for a user account by clicking on Create Person Account on the CLARIS portal.
- For providers, how to find your affiliates KDHE CLARIS Person ID# (PDF).
- After completing the registration request, an email with your username and initial password will be sent to you.
- Using your username and initial password, log in and complete your fingerprint waiver online.
- Upon completion, your fingerprint waiver will be automatically sent to KDHE CCL.
- If digital waiver is submitted, no further action required for this step.
- View instructions for Online Fingerprint Waiver (PDF).
NOTE: If you submit a registration request without your KDHE CLARIS Person ID#, your request will require CCL review. Please allow up to 2 business days for CCL staff to review, verify, and approve your request. You will receive a confirmation email with your username and initial password.
Paper Fingerprint Waiver
Download and print a copy of the Paper Fingerprint Waiver (PDF) Complete, sign, and send one of the following ways:
- Mail to:
KDHE Child Care Licensing
1000 SW Jackson Street, Ste. 200
Topeka, KS 66612-1274 - Email Child Care Licensing
- Fax Child Care Licensing 785-559-4244
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 2022 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.
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.
Ink Fingerprints
Instructions:
- Pick up a fingerprint card from your local licensing surveyor or your facility’s administrator.
Note: The fingerprint card has Child Care Licensing identifying information so KBI will know to send your background check results to Child Care Licensing.
- Your KDHE OCA# is required to be written on the fingerprint card.
- Return your fingerprint card in an envelope large enough to fit the card into and make sure to include correct postage. If you submit your waiver online, KDHE will receive it electronically and you do not need to send the waiver with your fingerprint card.
Notice: Return envelopes are no longer available from your surveyor or Child Care Licensing. Please make sure to return the fingerprint card in an envelope large enough so the card is not bent or folded. Any bent or folded card received by Child Care Licensing will not be accepted and you will be notified that you will need to get fingerprinted again.
Mail to the following address:
KDHE Child Care Licensing
1000 SW Jackson, Ste. 200
Topeka, KS 66612
NOTE: The child care facility will be notified of the background check results.
Initial applicants only: To flag your fingerprints as a priority to process, please view the Fingerprint Instructions (PDF).
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
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 online.
- 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.
Background Check Requirements for People Who Have Lived Out of State
Any individual who has lived in another state within the last 5 years and who has a role requiring a comprehensive background check is required to have an out-of-state background check.
Previous Resident of Kansas
If you previously lived in KS and need to obtain KS background check history use the following links:
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).
Background Check Policies & Regulations
- K.A.R. 28-4-125 Background Checks for Licensed Day Care Homes Group Day Care Homes Child Care Centers and Preschools Effective June 7, 2018 (PDF)
- K.A.R. 28-4-584 Background Checks for School Age Programs Effective June 7, 2018 (PDF)
- K.A.R. 28-4-705 Background Checks for Drop-in Programs for School Age Children and Youth Effective June 7, 2018 (PDF)
- K.A.R. 28-4-95 Fee for Fingerprint-Based Background Checks Effective November 26, 2018 (PDF)
- Kansas Register, Volume 37, Number 20A, May 23, 2018 (PDF)
- Kansas Register, Volume 37, Number 45, November 8, 2018 (PDF)
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Child Care Licensing
Physical Address
1000 SW Jackson
Suite 200
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-1270