OCFS-6022. Request for Staff Exclusion List Check

The OCFS-6022 “Request for Staff Exclusion List Check” is a required document for child day care programs in New York State. It authorizes a background check against the Justice Center’s Staff Exclusion List (SEL)—a confidential registry of individuals found responsible for serious abuse against vulnerable persons. Before any staff member, volunteer, or qualifying household member may have regular and substantial contact with children, the program must confirm that the person is not listed on the SEL.

Unlike general background forms, OCFS-6022 applies specifically to early childhood and school-age child care settings. Programs must complete this check for every individual identified on the OCFS-6000 form as part of the comprehensive background process.

Purpose of the Form

This form ensures that child care programs do not unknowingly hire or admit individuals who have previously committed serious abuse or neglect of vulnerable persons. It protects children, strengthens program compliance, and fulfills state safety regulations.

The SEL check is a mandatory step regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the Justice Center.

Who Must Submit the Form

Submission rules vary by program type and the individual’s role:

• Family Day Care, Group Family Day Care, Small Day Care Center: Staff, volunteers, and household members age 18+ — submitted to the program’s licensor/registrar.
• Day Care Center and School-Age Child Care (Directors): Submitted to the licensor/registrar.
• Day Care Center, Legally-Exempt Group Program, School-Age Care (Staff & Volunteers): Submitted to the program director.
• Legally-Exempt Informal & Group Programs (Providers, staff, volunteers, household members age 18+): Submitted to the Enrollment Agency.

Explanation of Key Sections

Applicant Identification

This section records the individual’s basic identifying information:

• First and last name
• Middle initial
• Social Security Number (SSN), or date of birth and alien registration number
• Position applied for

Common mistake: Leaving blanks for SSN without providing DOB + alien registration number causes processing delays.

Program Information

Programs must include their full legal program name and facility ID number. OCFS uses these identifiers to confirm compliance and routing.

Submission Routing

Submitting the form to the wrong authority is one of the most frequent reasons for delays. Always verify the submission route based on program type and the applicant’s role as outlined above.

When the Form Must Be Filed

• Before an individual is hired.
• Before a volunteer begins any direct contact with children.
• Before a household member age 18+ in certain programs is allowed to reside in the home while care is provided.

Not required: For individuals who will have no direct or substantial contact with children (e.g., off-site consultants).

Legal and Regulatory Context

The SEL check is mandated under New York State Justice Center regulations governing the protection of vulnerable persons. Child care programs must comply with OCFS background check requirements to maintain licensure or enrollment. Allowing an SEL-listed individual to work or volunteer can result in:

• Immediate enforcement action
• Program sanctions
• Termination of licensure or enrollment

Practical Tips for Completing the Form

• Always write clearly in block letters—the Justice Center rejects illegible forms.
• If the applicant has no SSN, ensure the DOB and alien number are included.
• Double-check the spelling of names against official documents.
• Verify that the correct authority (licensor, registrar, director, or enrollment agency) receives the form.
• Keep a program copy for internal compliance records.

Examples of Real-World Situations

• A new assistant teacher joins a Day Care Center. Before she can enter a classroom, the director submits OCFS-6022 to verify she is not on the SEL.
• A Family Day Care provider’s nephew (age 19) moves into the household. Even though he is not staff, the SEL check is mandatory due to household residency.
• A volunteer applying to help with after-school activities must undergo the SEL check because activities involve regular contact with children.
• A Legally-Exempt provider hires a part-time aide. The Enrollment Agency requires OCFS-6022 before approving the new aide.

Documents You May Need

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card (if available)
• Immigration documents (if no SSN)
• Employment or volunteer application indicating the role
• Program facility ID

FAQ

• What happens if an individual appears on the SEL? The Justice Center makes a determination, and the individual cannot work in roles involving regular and substantial child contact.
• Can someone with no SSN complete the form? Yes—date of birth and alien registration number must be provided instead.
• How long does the SEL check take? Processing times vary but are faster when the form is legible and complete.
• Is this form part of a larger background check? Yes. It complements the OCFS-6000 and fingerprint-based checks.
• Can programs submit the form electronically? Submission methods depend on the licensor, registrar, director, or enrollment agency.
• Does every volunteer need this check? Yes, if they have regular and substantial contact with children.
• Is the form required for temporary or substitute staff? Yes, if they will be in direct contact with children.

Micro-FAQ

• Purpose? To check if an applicant is listed on the SEL for serious abuse findings.
• Who files? Child care programs or their licensing/enrollment authorities.
• For whom? Staff, volunteers, directors, and certain household members age 18+.
• Deadline? Before any contact with children begins.
• Attachments? No attachments required unless requested by the licensor.
• Submitted to? Licensor, registrar, director, or enrollment agency depending on program type.
• Is SSN necessary? Preferable but not required if DOB and alien number are provided.
• What if the person is on SEL? They cannot work or volunteer in child-contact roles.
• Is this a public list? No. The SEL is confidential.
• Related form? OCFS-6000 (background check packet).

Related Forms

• OCFS-6000 – Comprehensive Background Check Requirements
• OCFS-4930 – Request for Fingerprinting Services
• OCFS-LDSS forms related to child care enrollment

Form Details

• Form Name: Request for Staff Exclusion List Check
• Form Number: OCFS-6022
• State: New York
• Issuing Agency: Office of Children and Family Services
• Revision Date: 08/2019