CCDBG Reauthorization Requires New Clearance

Due to a federal requirement under the reauthorization of the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), child care providers are required to complete a new clearance—the National Crime Information Center/National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR).

About

The NSOR clearance will verify that a check of the National Sex Offenders Registry was conducted and if the individual can or cannot work for a regulated child care provider. This clearance is required in addition to a Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check for Employment or Volunteers, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprinting.

There is no fee for the NSOR clearance. Please see the full Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) requirements announcement from OCDEL for full details.

Requirements

Effective September 30, 2019 all new hires are required to have:

• A Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

• PSP Criminal History Clearance

• FBI clearance required by DHS

• NSOR Verification Certificate

• Out of state clearances if they resided outside of Pennsylvania in the past five years.

In addition, the following individuals must complete the NSOR verification certificate by July 1, 2020:

• Any individual 18 years or older residing in the child care facility;

• All individuals working for Regulated Child Care Providers;

• Any individual with an ownership interest (corporate or non-corporate) in a Regulated Child Care Provider and who participates in the organization and management of the operation.

Application Process

Currently, all applicants must use a paper application to process an NSOR clearance. In late fall there will be an electronic process in place at keepkidssafe.pa.gov.

There has been no official word on when the link will go live.

Learn More

For more information on required clearances, visit the Keep Kids Safe website.

A webinar is scheduled for October 9 with OCDEL representatives from PACCA to provide addtional information.

*Information provided by the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (edited 09/30/19)