Should Run A Background Check?

[Unregistered]

I am a new dad to be in about 4 weeks. We are looking at child care and have found an at home day care and I need to know if it is legal to run a background check or if I should even bother. A friend refered her but her children do not stay there. What should I do?

Thanks in Advance,

Richard

[michael]

Whatever you feel you need to do to check a facility is appropriate. We suggest you contact your state's licensing agency and inquire if any complaints have been filed. Please see: http://www.daycare.com/states.html

[AC23]

Iwould also ask for references from the potential provider along with sitting in and see how the provider takes care of the children.

[Unregistered]

You can also ask your local Department of Child Services for an application for the provider to fill out. The DCS can do a check for any personal reports on the provider. A criminal/background check will not show reports of neglect/environmental or medical if the person wasn't charged. I am a social worker and I can tell you that most parents who have a history with social services were not charged and the case was dealt with DCS only. I have only had a few cases where the prosecuter took action. Example: If children were found wondering outside and it was reported there most likely would not be criminal charges. Arrests and Criminal charges are what shows up on a background check where DCS reports are confidential.

[Unregistered]

Most licensed daycare's can't get a license w/o a background check-so save your money-the county already did it-you can call your local daycare licensing department and ask if the provider IS licensed-and just add in-and I assume the background check was done as well? In my preschool, all who work, have a background check, anyone over 13 must get one-GOOD LUCK NEW DADDY-not all providers are bad :-) but YES do your homework-

[Unregistered]

All licensed family child care providers go through a background study where the local police and state Bureau of Criminal records have been checked for the last 5 years, according to where the provider lived. A social services record check has also been completed on the provider to check if there are any adult or child abuse and neglect records. These studies are completed on anyone 13 years of age, or older, working or living in the child care residence.

The provider needs to follow through with the State regulations for licensure. These rules set limits on the number and ages of children allowed in care, set safety regulations regarding the physical environment, sanitation and health, water, food, and nutrition, set guidelines and limits regarding behavior guidance and activities and equipment, regulate the caregiver qualifications and training needed, regulates forms needed on children , reporting laws , and negative licensing actions that may take place with a license