New York Childcare Licensing
New York Childcare Background Check Requirements (2026)
Every adult with unsupervised access to children at a licensed New York childcare center must clear a multi-part background check before being counted in ratio. New York requires 4 distinct screening components.
Licensing Agency
New York State Office of Children and Family Services →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNew York Background Check Requirements: The Specifics
New York childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: New York State criminal history check (DCJS).
New York childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: FBI fingerprint background check.
New York childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: Statewide Central Register (SCR) database check for child abuse/maltreatment.
New York childcare licensing requires the following pre-employment screening for staff: Sex offender registry check.
New York Background Check Requirements Checklist
- New York State criminal history check (DCJS)
- FBI fingerprint background check
- Statewide Central Register (SCR) database check for child abuse/maltreatment
- Sex offender registry check
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New York Background Check Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
What background checks does New York require for childcare staff?
New York requires the following screenings: New York State criminal history check (DCJS); FBI fingerprint background check; Statewide Central Register (SCR) database check for child abuse/maltreatment; Sex offender registry check.
Do background checks need to be repeated in New York?
Many states require periodic re-screening (often every 5 years) in addition to the initial check. Confirm the current New York re-screening interval with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Who must be screened at a New York center?
Any staff member, substitute, or volunteer with unsupervised access to children must clear the required New York screenings before working with children.
New York childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published New York administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.