National Background Check Program

The National Background Check Program (NBCP) is a one-stop shop for all required child care background checks. All child care staff must have background checks completed in accordance with 922 KAR 2:280.

The Division of Child Care (DCC) no longer accepts paper-based Child Abuse/Neglect Registry (CAN) check requests for child care staff members. The CAN payment and verification application on KYID (formerly known as Kentucky Online Gateway) allows for the electronic submission, payment and validation of Child Care and Central Registry Check form (DCC-374).

The NBCP uses the Kentucky Applicant Registry and Employment Screening (KARES) platform on KYID. If you do not have a KYID account or if you need access to KARES, please email the Division of Child Care National Background Check Program Help Desk.

Disqualifying Offenses

People who have disqualifying background check results can not work in child care.

In State Background Check Process

The Kentucky Division of Child Care (DCC) uses the National Background Check Program (NBCP) to conduct background checks for child care staff. Kentucky child care providers must initiate the background check process for current or prospective child care staff, referred to below as the applicant.

Family child care home providers must also submit background check requests for all household members aged 18 or older. Note: DCC does not currently charge a fee for in‑state background checks.

Before You Begin

Only Kentucky regulated child care providers can request background checks.

Providers must have:

A KYID account – If you are a new user, select the link and scroll down to “Creating a KYID Account" for instructions.
A KARES Account – If you don't have an account you may request one by emailing the Division of Child Care National Background Check Program Help Desk. Please note that KARES can only be accessed from KYID.
A copy of the applicant's government-issued identification.

Step 1. Start a Background Check Application

Log in to KARES.
Select “Applications” from the top menu and then select “Add New”.
Search for the applicant using their Social Security Number and Last Name or Date of Birth. If a profile is found: confirm their profile information and update as needed. If a profile is not found: enter the required information for the applicant.
Select “Add Application” from the top of the screen.
Enter all required information from the drop-down menus and select “Next”.
Enter the requested information for the applicant’s government-issued identification and select “Next”.

Step 2. Confirm Applicant Consent

Acknowledge that you will have the applicant sign the following documents and keep the documents on file at the place of employment: DCC 500 Waiver Agreement Statement, DCC 501 Disclosure Form and the Parental Consent Form (for applicants under the age of 18).
Read and accept the notice about application timelines and fees.
Select “Next”.

Step 3. Complete Required Registry Checks

Complete the following checks:

Visit the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry (KSOR) and enter the requested information for the applicant.
Kentucky Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Registry – this check will auto-populate.
Visit the National Sex Offender Public Website and enter the applicant’s first and last name.

Once all three checks are marked “Cleared”, selct “Submit”. This will take you to a confirmation screen.

Important: If any registry is marked “Not Cleared,” the application cannot move forward and the submit button will be disabled. Do not move on to Step 4. The applicant will not be eligible for employment in child care. Contact the Division of Child Care National Background Check Program Help Desk if you have any questions.

Note: Additional checks will be required if the applicant has lived out of state in the past 5 years. DCC will contact you after this initial application process. Additional fees may be required for out-of-state checks.

Step 4. Schedule Fingerprinting

Upon submission, the staff member will receive an email from nobody@uemail.identogo.com with the subject line: “IdentoGo Service Confirmation – KY CHFS DCBS Child Care”.
The staff member must:

Schedule a fingerprint appointment with IdentoGo within 30 days of application submission.
Bring a government issued photo identification to the appointment.

Step 5. Eligibility Determination and Notification

DCC reviews all required results, and makes an eligibility determination within 30 days of receiving the completed application and fingerprint results.
Providers receive an email directing them to log into KARES to view the determination.
Staff members receive a system generated email if eligible or a letter by mail if determined not eligible.

Out of State Background Check Process

How does another Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Lead Agency request a Kentucky criminal history, child abuse and neglect (CAN ), and sex offender registry check?

For example: The CCDF Lead Agency in Alabama contacts Kentucky CCDF Lead Agency (Kentucky DCC) to conduct a background check for Eric, who previously lived in Kentucky; however, Eric wants to work in Alabama for a child care provider.

Requesting Background Checks

Kentucky Criminal History Check

Submit the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Application by mail along with a $20 processing fee by check or money order and two stamped envelopes (one addressed to the applicant and one addressed to the requesting Lead Agency).

Child Abuse and Neglect Check

Create a KYID account (formerly known as the Kentucky Online Gateway). Refer to the “CAN User Guide” (see page 3), which outlines steps to create a KYID account.
Submit the CAN application along with a $10 processing fee using a credit/debit card. You will be able to make the payment when you are directed to the secure payment screen within the “CAN and Adam Walsh Verification” application.

Kentucky Sex Offender Registry (KSOR) Check

Search the applicant’s name in the KSOR website. This is a public website with no associated cost or log-in requirements.

What Happens Next?

Kentucky Criminal History

KSP conducts a name-based search to obtain criminal history. The name-based criminal history process can take up to 10 business days.
The requesting CCDF Lead Agency and the current or prospective staff will receive a copy if they include a self-addressed stamped envelope with their original request. KSP does not make the eligibility determination. KSP only provides criminal history information or a letter stating no record was found via mail.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Kentucky DCC staff conduct a CAN check through the Central Registry for any substantiations through the “CAN and Adam Walsh Verification” application on the KYID. The requesting CCDF Lead Agency will be notified by a system-generated email that the CAN results are available. The requesting CCDF Lead Agency will log into their KYID account for viewing via the “CAN and Adam Walsh Verification”.
Kentucky DCC Fitness Determination programming will report the CAN results from the last seven years from the State Central Registry. If your state requires searching previous years, please notify the Kentucky DCC Fitness Determination Staff for assistance at the Division of Child Care National Background Check Program Help Desk.