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Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

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Criminal Records Check

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.

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