How Childcare & Daycare Workers Can Get Fingerprinted in Connecticut: Step-By-Step Guide

Starting a career in childcare or daycare in Connecticut? You'll need to complete a background check that includes fingerprinting. It’s simpler than it sounds once you know the steps.

Connecticut takes child safety seriously, and there’s a set order to follow: first register online, then get fingerprinted at a location that captures prints digitally and submits them electronically. No fingerprint cards are used for this process. Let’s walk through what to do.

Understanding Connecticut's Two-Part Background Check System

Connecticut uses a two-step process: an online registration and an in‑person fingerprinting appointment. The fingerprints must be taken digitally and sent electronically by the facility.

First, you submit your information through the Background Checks Information System (BCIS). Next, you visit an approved site that can capture your prints digitally and transmit them electronically to the state. Both parts are required for employment in any licensed childcare setting.

Step 1: Register with the Background Checks Information System (BCIS)

Your journey begins with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood's online Background Checks Information System. This digital platform serves as the central hub for all childcare background check requirements in the state.

During this online registration, you'll provide personal information, employment history, and answer questions about your background. The system is designed to be user-friendly, but take your time to ensure all information is accurate. Mistakes at this stage can delay your entire application process.

Step 2: Schedule Your In-Person Fingerprinting

Once you've completed your BCIS registration, you'll need to get your fingerprints taken at a facility that captures them digitally and submits them electronically. This is where many people feel uncertain about their options, but Connecticut offers several avenues for ct fingerprinting services that submit electronically.

Government Options That Submit Electronically

You have several government-affiliated options for fingerprinting connecticut services that transmit electronically:

Local Police DepartmentsSome police departments offer fingerprinting and can submit electronically, though availability varies by location. Many operate on specific days or by appointment only. Always call ahead to confirm they submit electronically, their schedule, and any fees.

Connecticut State Police BarracksState Police barracks across the state provide fingerprinting, and many locations can transmit prints electronically. They often have more consistent availability than local departments.

United Way Locations and Other Approved SitesIn some areas, United Way locations and other approved facilities capture fingerprints digitally and send them electronically. Check your area for availability and requirements.

DESPP Fingerprinting DivisionThe Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection operates a dedicated fingerprinting division. Call (860) 685-8270 to confirm electronic submission, schedule an appointment, and ask about current pricing.

Professional Fingerprinting Services

Many childcare workers choose professional fingerprinting services for convenience and speed. These providers capture fingerprints digitally and submit them electronically, matching Connecticut’s requirements for childcare background checks.

Professional services often offer flexible scheduling, shorter wait times, and extended hours. They're particularly helpful if you're looking for fingerprinting in hartford ct or fingerprinting in middletown ct with evening or weekend availability.

Step 3: Prepare Your Required Documents

Before heading to your fingerprinting appointment, gather these essential documents:

• DCF Authorization Form: This Connecticut Department of Children and Families form is mandatory for all childcare background checks

• FBI Form: Required for federal background screening

• Valid Photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, or passport

• Payment: Cash or check for fingerprinting fees (credit card acceptance varies by location)

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Double-check that you have both the DCF and FBI forms completed accurately. Missing or incorrect information on these forms will delay your background check processing.

No Fingerprint Cards for Connecticut Childcare Workers

For childcare and daycare roles in Connecticut, fingerprint cards are not used. You must get fingerprinted digitally at a location that can submit your prints electronically. This helps speed up results and reduces errors.

Action step: When you book, confirm the site captures prints digitally and transmits them electronically.

Timeline Expectations for Your Background Check

After you complete BCIS registration and your digital fingerprints are submitted electronically, results typically come back within 24–48 business hours.

• Most applicants: 1–2 business days

• Occasional delays: Additional review or name checks can take longer

• Tip: Book early so your appointment timing doesn’t delay your start date

Plan ahead for at least 2–3 business days to be safe.

Background Check Renewal Requirements

Connecticut requires background check renewal every five years for continued childcare employment. This isn't a simple renewal notice – you'll need to complete the entire process again, including new fingerprints and updated BCIS information.

If you change childcare employers during this five-year period, you may need to submit new fingerprints depending on your specific employment situation. Always check with your new employer about their requirements to avoid any employment delays.

Mobile Fingerprinting: A Convenient Alternative

For busy childcare professionals, mobile fingerprinting services offer a convenient option to traditional ct fingerprinting locations. These providers come to your workplace, home, or another location, capture your prints digitally, and submit them electronically—no cards.

Mobile fingerprinting is particularly beneficial for:

• Childcare centers processing multiple employees simultaneously

• Workers with challenging schedules who can't visit traditional locations

• Rural areas where fingerprinting hartford ct or other urban locations are too far away

• Anyone seeking maximum convenience and time savings

Professional mobile services ensure the same accuracy and compliance standards as traditional locations while offering superior convenience.

Choosing the Right Fingerprinting Location

When deciding where can i get fingerprinted in ct, start by confirming the site captures prints digitally and submits them electronically. Then consider these factors:

Convenience and LocationChoose a location that fits your schedule and geography. If you work in Hartford, fingerprinting in hartford ct locations might be most convenient. For those in central Connecticut, fingerprinting in middletown ct services could be ideal.

Expertise and AccuracyProfessional fingerprinting services typically have higher success rates for first-time acceptance. Their experience with childcare requirements can prevent costly delays and re-submissions.

Scheduling FlexibilityGovernment locations often have limited hours, while professional services frequently offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate working professionals.

Additional ServicesSome professional services offer document review, expedited processing, and other valuable add-ons that can streamline your entire background check experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' experiences can save you time and frustration:

• Don't wait until the last minute – Appointments fill up, and processing takes 24–48 business hours after submission

• Verify all forms are complete – Missing information causes delays

• Confirm electronic submission – Make sure the site captures prints digitally and sends them electronically

• Confirm appointment requirements – Some locations require advance scheduling

• Bring exact payment – Not all locations accept credit cards

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Getting Started with Your Connecticut Childcare Background Check

The fingerprinting requirement for Connecticut childcare workers exists to protect children, and completing it properly is essential for your career. Register first, then get fingerprinted digitally at a site that submits electronically—no cards needed. Follow these steps to avoid delays.

Whether you choose government-affiliated sites or professional fingerprinting connecticut services, start early and be prepared. Results typically return within 24–48 business hours after electronic submission. Fingerprints 101 & More offers both in-office and mobile appointments. Schedule your appointment today or request mobile service.