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Child Care Subsidy Provider Handbook 26 Background Checks The Child Care Subsidy Program completes background checks annually on all new and renewing child care subsidy providers and anyone age 13 and older if care is provided in the provider’s home. Fingerprinting is required as part of National Criminal History Record Checks for all child care workers, including license-exempt and in-home providers (relatives are exempt). Note: The department will not enter a subsidy provider enrollment with a potential individual provider if a history of convictions for misdemeanor or felony actions that endanger the health and safety of anyone is indicated. Background Check Requirements All staff, volunteers and household members age 13 and older* must sign a release of information and statement identifying any felony or misdemeanor convictions and pending criminal charges. Required background checks are conducted annually unless otherwise specified. Background checks include, but are not limited to: • State Patrol Sex Offenders Registry • State of Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles • Local and state law enforcement agencies • State of Nebraska Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect (Central Registry) » Completed every five years » Separate request form is required, typically completed online • FBI Fingerprint-based Criminal History Check » Completed every five years » All household members/staff over age 18 must complete, unless related to all children in care (meeting relative definition) » Separate fingerprint application and process required - Application submitted to Children’s Services Licensing (CSL) - Fingerprints completed through Neb. State Patrol or local law enforcement agency *Note: Minors between ages 13-18 must have an adult sign for them. Appeals Process Providers who are denied enrollment based on background check results may appeal within 30 days of receiving the denial letter. Appeals must be made in writing, either through a Request for Fair Hearing (DA-6) form or by submitting a written request (i.e., letter or email). Verbal requests are not accepted. Fingerprint-based background check denials require appeals to be made through CSL. MORE INFORMATION To learn more about background checks and required procedures, visit: Child Care Subsidy Background Checks dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child- Care-Subsidy-Background- Checks.aspx Children’s Services Licensing dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/ Child-Care-Licensing.aspx