OCFS-6000. Packet - Required Forms and Clearance List

Form OCFS-6000, officially titled "Required Forms and Clearance List – Child Care Programs", is used in New York State to guide child care providers, employees, volunteers, and household members through the required background check process. The form functions as a centralized checklist that outlines which documents must be submitted depending on the individual’s role within the program and whether the program is licensed, registered, or legally exempt.

Because child care settings involve direct and ongoing access to children, New York law requires a comprehensive review of a person’s criminal, child abuse, and professional background before they can work or live in a licensed or regulated program. The OCFS-6000 packet ensures that everyone is vetted consistently and according to state and federal regulations.

Purpose of the Form

The OCFS-6000 serves as a compliance roadmap. It explains:

• which specific background checks are required,
• which supporting forms must be submitted,
• who must complete fingerprinting,
• where documentation must be filed (FAMS, regulator office, or enrollment agency),
• which individuals are exempt based on their relationship to children in care.

In short, the form prevents delays and errors by making clear exactly what the state expects from different categories of caregivers and household members.

When You Must File This Form

You must follow the OCFS-6000 process if you are:

• applying to work in a licensed or registered child care program,
• volunteering in a child care setting,
• a household member age 18 or older in a Group or Family Day Care home,
• a legally exempt child care provider receiving subsidy payments,
• a staff member or volunteer in a legally exempt group program.

You do not need to complete a new background check if you already passed a comprehensive check within the past five years and have not had a break in service longer than 180 days.

Who Is Exempt

New York provides limited exemptions for certain legally exempt informal providers:

• Grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings living in a separate residence, aunts, and uncles who are related to all children in care.
• Household members age 18 or older in legally exempt family care if they are related to all children in care.

These individuals do not need to complete the background check process described in OCFS-6000.

Explanation of Each Required Component

LDSS-3370 – Statewide Central Register (SCR) Database Check

This form authorizes New York State to check whether an individual has a record of child abuse or maltreatment. This is one of the most important screening tools, and failing to submit it is a common reason applications are delayed.

OCFS-4930 – Request for Fingerprinting Services

Used to schedule and complete fingerprinting through Identogo. Fingerprinting covers:

• New York State criminal history check (DCJS),
• FBI national criminal check,
• National Sex Offender Registry search (NCIC).

Payments must be made at appointment time—clearances will not proceed without it.

OCFS-6001 – Provider, Staff, Volunteer, and Household Member Information

A general information sheet collecting personal details, role in the program, and identifying data needed for state searches.

OCFS-6002 – Qualifications

Required only for employees of licensed/registered programs. It documents training, education, and experience relevant to child care.

OCFS-6003 – References

Also required only for licensed/registered program staff. Applicants must provide reference contacts who can confirm professionalism and suitability for working with children.

OCFS-6004 – Medical Statement

Documents whether the individual is physically able to perform child care duties and free of communicable diseases.

OCFS-6005 – Criminal Conviction Statement

A sworn declaration of any past criminal convictions. Even minor omissions can delay approval.

OCFS-6022 – Request for Staff Exclusion List (SEL) Check

Checks whether the individual is listed on the Justice Center’s SEL for serious offenses or misconduct in care settings.

Legal Framework

The OCFS-6000 process is mandated by state and federal law, including:

• New York Social Services Law §§ 390 and 424-a,
• Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) requirements,
• NYS Justice Center background check statutes,
• FBI requirements for national criminal history checks.

The form ensures that child care environments meet safety standards and remain eligible for licensure or subsidy participation.

Common Mistakes

• Submitting incomplete packets (missing LDSS-3370 or OCFS-6001).
• Not paying fingerprinting fees on time.
• Providing incorrect personal data (leading to mismatched records).
• Failing to disclose criminal convictions on OCFS-6005.
• Sending forms to the wrong office (FAMS vs. enrollment agency vs. regulator).

Practical Tips

• Submit all forms together whenever possible to avoid processing delays.
• Double-check dates, SSN entries, and addresses—they must exactly match identification documents.
• Schedule fingerprinting early; clearance cannot begin until prints are received.
• If working in multiple programs, keep copies of all documents for future verification.

Examples of Real-Life Use Cases

• A new assistant teacher joining a licensed child care center must submit the full OCFS-6000 packet and complete fingerprinting.
• A grandmother providing legally-exempt informal care for her two grandchildren is exempt because she is related to all children in care.
• A volunteer helping at a registered Family Day Care program must complete background checks, even if unpaid.
• A new roommate moving into the residence of a Group Family Day Care provider must undergo background checks if age 18 or older.

Documents You May Need

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card
• Training certificates (for OCFS-6002)
• Medical exam or TB test results
• Reference contacts
• Payment for fingerprinting

FAQ

• How long does the background check process take? Typically several weeks, depending on fingerprinting and SCR response times.
• Can I start working before the checks are complete? No. Individuals must receive written authorization before caring for children.
• Do volunteers need to complete all checks? Yes—volunteers with unsupervised access must meet the same standards as paid staff.
• What if I had a background check with another employer? If completed within 5 years without a 180-day service break, you may request a fingerprint waiver.
• Where do I submit the forms? Licensed/registered programs use FAMS; legally-exempt programs submit to their enrollment agency.
• What happens if I have an old conviction? OCFS reviews the offense, age at occurrence, and rehabilitation evidence before determining eligibility.

Micro-FAQ (Short Answers)

• Purpose? Background check requirements for NY child care programs.
• Who files? Staff, volunteers, and household members age 18+.
• Deadline? Before beginning work or residence.
• Attachments? Fingerprinting, SCR check, medical form, qualifications (if applicable).
• Submitted to? FAMS, regulator, or enrollment agency depending on program type.
• Fingerprinting required? Yes unless exempt.
• Relationship exemptions? Yes for certain relatives in legally-exempt informal care.
• Waiver available? For individuals with a recent background check.
• Written approval required? Yes—must be received before working with children.
• Federal checks included? Yes, via FBI and NCIC.

Related Forms

• OCFS-6001 – Provider/Staff Information Form
• OCFS-4930 – Fingerprinting Request
• LDSS-3370 – SCR Database Check
• OCFS-6004 – Medical Statement
• OCFS-6022 – SEL Check Request

Form Details

• Form Name: Required Forms and Clearance List – Child Care Programs
• Form Number: OCFS-6000
• Jurisdiction: New York State
• Agency: Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
• Revision Date: May 2023