(Michigan, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania)

All child care providers must complete required background checks before a license can be issued.

Background check rules vary by state. Find your state below.

Michigan Background Checks

Michigan manages background checks through the Child Care Background Check (CCBC) system connected to CCHIRP.

Official Background Check Overview:
https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/cclb/providers/background-check-request/overview

Who Must Complete a Background Check in Michigan?

The following individuals must complete a background check:

• The applicant (provider)

• All household members age 14 or older

• Anyone who may have unsupervised access to children

If someone lives in your home and is 14+, they must complete the process.

How Do I Start the Michigan Background Check?

1. Submit your licensing application in CCHIRP.

2. Wait for your Launch Letter from the State of Michigan.

3. Follow the instructions in the Launch Letter to begin the background check process.

4. Complete fingerprinting through the state-approved vendor.

You cannot begin the process until the Launch Letter is issued.

How Do I Schedule Fingerprinting in Michigan?

Fingerprinting must be completed through IdentoGO.

Schedule here:
https://www.identogo.com/

Use the instructions provided in your Launch Letter when booking your appointment.

Do Previous Background Checks Transfer?

No.

Background checks completed for:

• K-12 employment

• Other child care programs

• Volunteer roles

Do NOT transfer into the Michigan child care licensing system.

You must complete the licensing-specific process.

Is There a Fee?

• The background check itself does not have a state processing fee.

• Fingerprinting may have a vendor fee.

Why Is My Background Check Still Pending?

Common reasons:

• A household member has not completed fingerprinting.

• Fingerprints were scheduled but not yet processed.

• Information entered into the system does not match identification.

• The Launch Letter instructions were not fully completed.

If your status shows “Pending” for more than 14 days:

1. Confirm all household members completed fingerprinting.

2. Confirm fingerprints were submitted successfully.

3. Log into CCHIRP to review your checklist.

4. If all steps are complete and still pending, contact Michigan Child Care Licensing directly.

Licensing Contact Page:
https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/cclb

Wonderschool cannot accelerate or override state background check processing.

What Happens If a Background Check Is Denied?

If the state determines that a background check does not meet requirements:

• You will receive written notice from the state.

• Appeals must be handled directly with the state licensing department.

• Wonderschool cannot intervene in state background decisions.

Texas Background Checks

Texas manages background checks through Child Care Regulation (CCR).

Texas Child Care Regulation Portal:
https://childcare.hhs.texas.gov/Child_Care/

Who Must Complete a Background Check in Texas?

• The applicant

• Household members age 14+

• Employees and substitutes

How Do I Start?

1. Submit your application through the Texas CCR system.

2. Begin the background check process inside the CCR portal.

3. Follow instructions for fingerprinting.

Is Fingerprinting Required?

Yes.

Fingerprinting is required and must be completed through a state-approved vendor listed in the CCR system.

Why Is My Background Check Delayed?

Common reasons:

• Fingerprints not submitted

• Name or identification mismatch

• Required individuals not added to the household list

• Incomplete employment information

If delayed:

1. Log into the CCR portal.

2. Confirm each required person has completed fingerprinting.

3. Contact Texas Child Care Regulation if unresolved.

Wonderschool cannot modify or expedite CCR background checks.

Florida Background Checks

Florida background screening is managed through the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Florida Child Care Licensing:
https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/licensing/child-care-licensure

Who Must Complete a Background Screening?

• Provider

• Household members

• Employees and substitutes

Florida requires fingerprint-based screening through the state’s Clearinghouse system.

Common Delays in Florida

• Screening not initiated in Clearinghouse

• Incorrect ORI number used during fingerprinting

• Employment history incomplete

• Results not yet linked to your license number

If delayed, contact your local licensing office through the DCF site.

Missouri Background Checks

Missouri child care licensing is managed through DESE.

Missouri Licensing Page:
https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care

Who Must Complete Background Screening?

• Applicant

• Household members (typically 18+)

• Staff members

Missouri requires state and federal checks.

If Your Background Check Is Pending

• Confirm fingerprints were completed.

• Confirm required individuals were added.

• Check the DESE licensing portal for updates.

Contact Missouri DESE directly for processing issues.

Pennsylvania Background Checks

Pennsylvania requires multiple clearances.

Pennsylvania DHS Provider Licensing:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/programs-services/provider-licensing

Required Clearances in Pennsylvania

Providers and required individuals must complete:

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance

• Child Abuse Clearance

• FBI Fingerprinting

Where to Apply

State Police Clearance:
https://epatch.pa.gov/

Child Abuse Clearance:
https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS

FBI Fingerprinting (IdentoGO PA):
https://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania

Why Is My Clearance Incomplete?

Common reasons:

• One of the three required clearances not submitted

• Fingerprints not yet processed

• Clearance older than allowed timeframe

• Name mismatch

All three clearances must be complete before licensing approval.

Who to Contact

Contact your state licensing department if:

• Background status shows pending beyond normal processing time

• You receive a denial notice

• Your fingerprint submission was rejected

Contact your Wonderschool coach if:

• You are unsure which individuals must complete screening

• You need help understanding your checklist

• Your Moxo checklist does not reflect your state portal status

Wonderschool cannot override state background check decisions or speed up processing.

Key Takeaways

• All required individuals must complete screening.

• Fingerprinting is required in all five states.

• Previous employment background checks do not transfer.

• Processing times are controlled by the state.

• Incomplete household information is the most common cause of delay.