Criminal Records Check
FREE BACKGROUND CHECKS BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2018
For the next two years DECAL will pay the cost of the initial fingerprint scan for eligible early care and education workers. This includes new hires to the industry and those whose current records check determination letter is about to expire.
When registering for a fingerprint scan, you must select the DECAL – Daycare Director/Employee reason code and type in GAP11164 for the Requesting Agency ID.
See below for the revised Livescan Instructions and answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.
Individuals working in license-exempt programs that receive CAPS subsidy, working in licensed child care programs or residing (aged 17 or older) at a program must undergo a comprehensive background check and obtain a satisfactory determination from DECAL.
UPCOMING CHANGES TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS
On and after October 1, 2018,
- Local background checks will no longer be accepted (no more 21-day provisional employment)
- Everyone must have at least a fingerprint-based background check letter issued by DECAL before they can be present at the center to care for children or reside at a center
- The new definition of Provisional Employee includes those with only a satisfactory Fingerprint Records Check Determination. People with this type of clearance are allowed on site, but must be under the direct and continuous supervision of a Director or Employee with a satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination
- A new comprehensive background check must be run for anyone who has had a lapse of employment in the child care industry that lasts 6 months or longer. (Students-in-Training are considered “employed in the child care industry” if they’ve been enrolled in a child care related curriculum.)
- Programs can no longer accept paper clearance letters from a prospective employee. Letters will only be accepted at a facility if they are “ported” electronically through your DECAL KOALA account.
Employees and Directors that have not already done so, must submit an application for the comprehensive background check as soon as possible, but by no later than August 1, 2018.
To submit an application online for facility approval, click here.
Questions? Contact the CRCHelpDesk@decal.ga.gov or call 1-855-884-7444.
Out of State Contacts
Click here to see instructions for individuals that lived outside of Georgia within the last five years.
Providers
Click here
to submit an online records check application in DECAL KOALA for your facility.
Note: If you have not activated your account or have forgotten your password,
click here
for help.
Potential Employees
Click here
to submit an online records check application for facility approval.
Support Centers
Click here
to submit an online records check application in DECAL KOALA for your Support Center.
If you would like additional information on Support Centers
click here.
Note: If you have not activated your account or have forgotten your password,
click here
for help.
Additional Information