OCFS-6001. Child Care Provider, Staff, Volunteer, and Household Member Information

The OCFS-6001 form is a key document required by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Anyone who works, volunteers, or lives in a household where child care services are provided must complete this form. It serves as the foundation for background checks, identity verification, and regulatory compliance. While the form may look straightforward, each section is tied to specific legal requirements and affects how quickly an applicant can be cleared to work with children.

This guide explains the purpose of the form, breaks down each section, highlights common mistakes, and offers practical advice to help applicants complete it correctly the first time.

Purpose of the Form

The OCFS-6001 collects essential personal, program-related, and residency information so that OCFS can perform mandatory background checks for individuals involved in child care programs. These checks are required by federal law (42 USC §9858f) and New York Social Services Law §390-b. The form ensures every adult associated with a child care program meets safety and suitability standards before having access to children.

The document is mandatory for:

• Child care providers and applicants
• Staff members and assistants
• Volunteers
• Household members aged 18+ residing where care is provided
• Directors and teachers in registered or licensed child care programs

Explanation of Key Sections

Program Information

This section links your identity to the child care program(s) where you work or reside. OCFS uses this data to connect your fingerprints and background checks to specific facility ID numbers. Applicants often forget to list all the programs they work for, which delays approval—especially for substitutes or staff working at multiple sites.

• Program Name & Facility ID Number: Identifies the primary program.
• Additional Facility IDs: Use this to associate your fingerprints with multiple programs.
• Program Type: Select the type of care setting accurately; regulations differ for each category.
• Role: Choose the exact capacity in which you will serve (provider, assistant, household member, volunteer, etc.).

Personal Information

This section verifies your identity and ensures background checks are accurate. Any mismatch or missing detail can cause delay.

• Name and aliases: OCFS must know all names you’ve used—married names, maiden names, or legal name changes.
• Date of birth & gender: Used to distinguish between applicants with similar names.
• Current address and complete contact details.
• Past names: Leaving these blank when applicable is a common reason forms are returned.

Out-of-State Address History

If you lived outside New York State during the past five years, OCFS must contact those states to complete additional background checks. Federal law requires this step. Many applicants underestimate the importance of accurate dates and full addresses.

• Provide each address clearly.
• Include month and year for both “From” and “To” dates.
• Expect to submit additional forms if required by another state.

Social Security Number (Optional but Important)

Your SSN is not mandatory, but it makes background checks significantly faster and more accurate. OCFS uses it as a unique identifier because many people share similar names and birthdates. Not providing your SSN may slow down the approval process.

Common Applicant Mistakes

• Leaving out previous names, especially maiden names.
• Providing incomplete out-of-state address history.
• Selecting the wrong role or program type.
• Failing to list all facility ID numbers for fingerprint association.
• Unreadable handwriting or inconsistent email/phone details.

Practical Tips for Completing the Form

• Print clearly using black or blue ink.
• Double-check dates for past addresses before writing them down.
• If you are unsure of your exact role, ask your licensor or program director before submitting.
• Use your legal name consistently across all sections.
• Provide your SSN if possible to speed up processing.

Real-Life Examples

• A new assistant teacher joins a school-age child care program and must fill out the form to complete fingerprinting and background checks before starting work.
• A volunteer grandparent helping occasionally at a family day care must submit the form even if they are not paid.
• A household member aged 18 living in a group family day care home must complete this form because they reside where care is provided.
• A provider working at two locations lists multiple facility IDs so their fingerprints apply to both sites.

Documents You May Need

• Government-issued ID
• Proof of address
• Previous legal names or documentation of name changes
• Out-of-state clearance documents (if applicable)

FAQ

• Do volunteers need to complete this form? Yes, anyone with regular presence in a child care program must submit it to meet safety requirements.
• What if I lived outside New York in the last five years? You must complete the second page and may need additional background check forms.
• Can a household member refuse to fill out the form? If they live in a licensed or registered child care home, the form is mandatory under state law.
• Does choosing the wrong role affect processing? Yes, it may cause delays or require resubmission, because role determines regulatory requirements.
• Is the Social Security Number required? No, but optional SSNs help verify identity faster.
• What happens if I leave out a previous name? OCFS may return the form or background checks may be delayed.
• Can I email the completed form? Procedures vary by program—ask your licensor or enrollment agency.

Micro-FAQ (Short Answers for Quick Reference)

• Purpose? Identity and background check verification for child care roles.
• Who files? Providers, staff, volunteers, and 18+ household members.
• Deadline? Before working or being present around children.
• Attachments? Additional clearance forms if you lived out of state.
• Submitted to? Your licensor, registrar, or enrollment agency.
• Is SSN required? No, but recommended.
• Out-of-state history? Required for the past 5 years.
• Multiple programs? List all facility IDs.
• Volunteers? Must complete the form.
• Name changes? All previous names must be listed.

Related Forms

• OCFS Fingerprinting Waiver Form
• OCFS Background Check Request
• OCFS Staff Exclusion List Check

Form Details

• Form Name: Child Care Provider, Staff, Volunteer and Household Member Information
• Form Number: OCFS-6001
• Jurisdiction: New York State Office of Children and Family Services
• Revision Date: 01/2020