Important
All background checks and pre-service training must be completed BEFORE you provide care or receive reimbursement. There is no grace period.
Key deadline
All background checks and pre-service training must be completed BEFORE providing care or receiving reimbursement. No grace period.
Before any subsidized child can start care at your program and before you can receive any reimbursement, specific background checks and training requirements must be completed. What those are depends on your provider type.
There is no grace period. EEC will not issue certificates of eligibility, and CCR&Rs will not issue vouchers, until all requirements are met. Do not begin providing care until your requirements are complete.
Who Needs What
| Provider type | Background check | Pre-service training | Annual training | Annual monitoring visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed FCC / licensed center | Through EEC licensing process | Through licensing | Through licensing | Through licensing |
| License-exempt program | Full BRC (CORI, SORI, DCF, fingerprint) | Required | Required | Required |
| Informal relative provider | SORI + NSOR only | Required | — | — |
| Informal non-relative provider | Full BRC (CORI, SORI, DCF, fingerprint) | Required | Required | Required |
Background Record Checks (BRC)
For license-exempt programs and non-relative informal providers, EEC conducts a full BRC that includes:
- CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), processed through DCJIS
- SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) and NSOR (National Sex Offender Registry)
- DCF Registry check (for any supported 51B reports of child abuse or neglect)
- Fingerprint-based national criminal background check (via Identogo)
The process: the CCR&R submits your consent form; EEC sends you a fingerprint notification letter with a Unique ID; you schedule your fingerprint appointment; EEC reviews all results and notifies you and the CCR&R of your suitability determination.
Convictions of certain crimes, supported DCF findings of sexual abuse, and registration as a sex offender are mandatory disqualifications with no right to appeal under federal and state law.
For relative informal providers, the required checks are SORI and NSOR only — no full CORI or fingerprint check.
BRC information is confidential. EEC will notify the CCR&R and the parent whether you are suitable or not suitable, but specific BRC content is not shared beyond that. Unauthorized disclosure of CORI information is a criminal offense.
Ongoing Disclosure Obligation
Once approved, you must notify EEC if any of the following occur:
- A criminal charge is filed against you in any state
- A DCF 51A is filed against you
- You are required to register as a sex offender
Pending charges or allegations may be grounds for immediate disqualification.
Pre-Service and Orientation Training
All informal providers and license-exempt programs must complete pre-service training before care begins. Training topics for non-relative informal providers include:
- Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunizations
- Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and safe sleep
- Administration of medication
- Prevention and response to food and allergic reaction emergencies
- Building and physical premises safety
- Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Handling and storage of hazardous materials and bio-contaminants
- Transportation safety (if applicable)
- Pediatric first aid and CPR
- Recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect
Additional training on nutrition, physical activity, children with special needs, or other topics may also be required.
Annual Training
License-exempt programs and non-relative informal providers must complete health and safety trainings annually. The topics are the same as pre-service training above. Relative informal providers are not subject to annual training requirements under EEC policy, though they must maintain their health and safety compliance.
Annual Monitoring Visits
License-exempt programs and non-relative informal providers are subject to at least one annual monitoring visit from EEC to verify compliance with all regulations, including health, safety, and fire standards. For non-relative care in the child's home, EEC must obtain annual written parental consent for these visits to take place.
Certificate of Eligibility
Once EEC has completed the BRC and determined that an informal provider is suitable, EEC issues a Certificate of Eligibility. The CCR&R cannot issue any vouchers until this certificate is in hand. This applies to both relative and non-relative informal providers.
For license-exempt programs, the signed agreement cannot be issued until all requirements above are met.
Next Steps
- Not sure which type of provider you are? See Provider Types and Requirements (2.2)
- Overview of accepting subsidies: See Accepting Subsidies (2.1)
- Contact EEC to initiate the background check process
- Contact your CCR&R for training schedules and to start your voucher agreement
What to do next
Contact EEC for the background check process. Contact your CCR&R for training schedules.
This page has not yet been reviewed. Contact your CCR&R to confirm current rules.