Background checks

By state law, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) must run background checks on anyone who is authorized to care for or have unsupervised access to children in licensed child care facilities. This helps make sure licensed providers offer safe, healthy places for children.

These laws are located in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW): Chapter 43.215 RCW, RCW 43.43.830, and RCW 43.43.832.

DEL’s background check rules are Chapter 170-06 WAC.

Click here for the Director’s List of Crimes and Negative Actions.

DEL will review a person’s criminal history, character, and child abuse and neglect history. Background checks and, in some cases, fingerprint check (if residing in the state for less than three years), will be done for:

  • The provider
  • Anyone who cares for or has unsupervised access to children in licensed child care
  • If you are a family home child care provider, any people living in your home who are ages 16 or older.

Your DEL licensor can help you with the background check process. Click here for office locations.

Effective July 1, 2009, the fees for a fingerprint-based background check will be:

  • Applicant to work in a licensed child care facility: $45.25
  • Applicant to volunteer in a licensed child care facility: $41.25

Submit fingerprint cards along with payment in the form of a check or money order to your local DEL office. Your payment should be:

  • Check or money order made out to WSP
  • Correct amount
  • Check or money order date is not more than 180 days old