DCF Child Care Background Checks in Florida: What Childcare Workers and Facilities Need to Know

Why Florida Childcare Workers Need Level 2 Screening

Florida law under §402.305 and §435.04, Florida Statutes, requires Level 2 background screening for childcare personnel who work with young children. The purpose is to ensure children in licensed care settings are protected from individuals with disqualifying criminal histories.

Level 2 screening uses FDLE Live Scan fingerprinting, which searches both Florida (FDLE) and FBI national criminal records — providing a more comprehensive check than a name-based search.

Who Must Be Screened

The following individuals generally must undergo Level 2 background screening for DCF childcare purposes. Requirements vary by role and facility type — always confirm with DCF or your employer:

• Directors and staff of licensed childcare facilities
• Family childcare home operators
• Household members age 12 and older in family childcare homes
• Substitutes and assistants with direct child contact
• Volunteers with regular, unsupervised access to children

Family Childcare Homes vs. Licensed Facilities

Florida distinguishes between licensed childcare facilities (centers) and family childcare homes. Screening requirements differ slightly: family childcare home operators must be screened, and all household members age 12 and older must also be screened. Licensed facility staff requirements may differ.

Confirm your specific screening obligation with your local DCF licensing office.

The Screening Process

To get screened: (1) Your employer or DCF licensing officer will provide you with your ORI number. (2) Visit an FDLE-registered provider like Sky Bright LiveScan in Miami Lakes. (3) Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your ORI number. (4) Fingerprints are captured digitally and transmitted to FDLE the same day. (5) Results are forwarded to DCF, which makes the final eligibility determination.