| Child Care Division Recorded Programs Information |
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Frequently Asked Questions and Other Information
What does it mean to be recorded and why must I do this?
A new law was passed (ORS657A.255 257) requiring most programs serving children to be recorded with the Child Care Division (the Division). The law goes into effect on July 1, 2010. The purpose of the statute is to see that most adults who have contact with children have completed a criminal background check and to inform parents about the type of child care facility that they are using. The Division was charged with implementing this statute.
Being recorded with the Division is different than being licensed, in that there are only two requirements. The recording process is only to assure that adults in child serving programs have a criminal background check and inform parents about recorded status. Unlike a licensed program, there are not extensive rules. The Division will not look at staff requirements, ratio of children to adults, equipment, activities or any other aspects of the program. In most cases, the staff from the Division will not visit the program at all.
What type of program must be recorded?
Preschool Programs
All preschools that operate for four hours a day or less, are educational and serve children from 36 months to the age where they are eligible for school must be recorded. These programs are exempt from licensure and will remain exempt from licensure, however as of July 1, 2010 they will need to apply to become recorded with the Division.
Youth Development Program
The Division defines a youth development program as a school age program that is designed for enrichment activities. It is not a program that has agreed to provide care in the place of the parents. Most youth development programs are exempt from licensure and are required to be recorded. The Division will not record classes or activities where a child attends for less than about eight hours per week and there is a single activity. For instance, girl scouts, boy scouts, swimming lessons, dance lessons and tutoring are not required to be recorded.
For more information about types of programs for school age children please click here
How will I know if my program needs to be recorded?
In early July, the Division will send a mailing to programs that fall into the two categories of recorded programs. We will include information about how to become a recorded program. If your program is rquired to become recorded, you may download the application from the Division website and mail it to the Division or you may call and request the application.
Because this is a new law, we assume there are many programs for whom we have no contact information. As we learn about programs that need to be recorded, the Division will send the application packet to them.
What is the process to become recorded?
First complete background checks for all personnel in your program who have contact with children. On or after July 1, 2010 either download the application from our website or call the Division and request the application for a program record. Complete the application and send it with the required information and the $20 application fee to the Division. The application will ask each program:
- To tell us that criminal background checks on those who have contact with children have been completed,
- To agree to post a notice that the facility is recorded, and
- To describe that the purpose of their program is enrichment rather than child care.
Programs will have to renew every two years.
Will anyone from the Division visit my program?
There are no inspections. A recorded program continues to be exempt from child care licensing. Recorded programs are only required to do criminal background checks and post a notice that the program is recorded. If the Division is made aware that a program will not do criminal background checks, will not post the notice or may need to be licensed, Division staff will make a visit.
How do I complete criminal background checks on personnel?
The statute requires that individuals who work with children complete a criminal background check. If you already have a process in place for background checks, that will not need to be changed. The Division does not have the authority to provide background checks for recorded programs at this time. People who work for your program may go to Oregon State Police to get a background check.
For information on obtaining criminal background checks click here
How do I get started?
The Division will accept applications beginning July 1, 2010. To start the recording process, complete the application, include the required materials and a check or money order for $20, and send it back to the Division at the address on the application. Beginning July 1, 2010 you may download the application or call 1-800-556-6616 to request that one be sent to you. Instructions for applying are included with the application. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a certificate to post in your facility.
To download applications please click here
If you have any further questions on recorded programs you may call 1-800-556-6616 or 1-503-947-1400 for assistance.
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