Professional License Verification
How to Verify a Childcare Worker or Daycare License
Childcare workers and daycare facilities operate under state licensing requirements designed to protect children. Verifying credentials involves two separate checks: the facility's operating license and the individual worker's background clearance and training qualifications.
Quick answer
Verify daycare facility licenses through your state's childcare licensing agency — most provide public online lookups with license status and inspection history. Individual worker background clearance is maintained by the facility and state agency, not publicly searchable. For professional credentials, verify Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials at cdacouncil.org.
Two types of credentials to verify
Childcare credential verification operates on two distinct levels:
- Facility license: The daycare center or family home childcare provider must hold a state-issued license or registration to operate legally. This is public record and searchable online in most states.
- Individual worker clearance: Each worker must pass a background check (state and FBI criminal history, child abuse/neglect registry check) before working with children. These records are held by the facility and state agency — they are not public, but you can ask the facility for confirmation.
For employers hiring childcare workers, the focus is on confirming background clearance requirements have been met. For parents choosing a facility, the focus is on verifying the facility license and reviewing inspection records.
Verifying a daycare facility license
Each state has a childcare licensing agency — typically under the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Social Services, or Department of Children and Families. Most states provide a public online database that shows:
- License status (Licensed, Suspended, Revoked, Expired)
- License type (center-based, family home, group home)
- Capacity and age groups served
- Inspection and violation history
- Complaint history where public records laws allow
| State | Licensing Agency / Lookup |
|---|---|
| California | Dept. of Social Services — Care Provider Management Bureau; ccld.dss.ca.gov |
| Texas | Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Licensing; hhs.texas.gov |
| Florida | Dept. of Children and Families; childcaresearch.floridaearlylearning.com |
| New York | Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS); ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ |
| All states | Child Care Aware of America maintains state-by-state licensing resources at childcareaware.org |
Background check requirements for workers
Federal law (the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act, as amended in 2014) requires states receiving federal childcare funding to implement comprehensive background check requirements for childcare workers. These include:
- State criminal history repository check
- FBI criminal history fingerprint check (national)
- State child abuse and neglect registry check
- Sex offender registry check
Individual background clearance records are not public. As an employer or licensing agency, you would conduct these checks directly. As a parent, you can ask a facility to confirm all workers have current background clearances on file with the state licensing agency.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is the most widely recognized professional certification for early childhood educators and childcare workers. Issued by the Council for Professional Recognition, the CDA demonstrates competency in child development, health and safety, curriculum, and family engagement.
To verify a CDA credential:
- Go to cdacouncil.org
- Use the credential verification tool to search by name or credential number
- Confirm the credential is current (valid for 3 years) and the setting type (center-based, family home, infant/toddler)
Many states require lead childcare teachers to hold a CDA or equivalent credential. Check your state's specific requirements for lead teacher qualifications.
Red flags
- Facility that is not listed in the state licensing database — operating unlicensed
- License that is Expired, Suspended, or Revoked
- Recent complaints or violations in inspection history, especially related to supervision ratios or child safety incidents
- Worker who cannot confirm background clearance has been completed through the state agency
- CDA credential that cannot be verified at cdacouncil.org or is expired
- Family home childcare claiming to be exempt from licensing when state law requires registration
Verification checklist
- 1. Identify the state and find the childcare licensing agency portal
- 2. Search for the facility by name or license number — confirm Active status and license type
- 3. Review inspection history and any violations or corrective actions on file
- 4. Confirm facility maintains state-required background check clearances for all workers
- 5. For lead teachers or directors: verify CDA or required education credential at cdacouncil.org
- 6. Check staff-to-child ratios comply with state requirements for the age groups served
Verify early childhood education program accreditation
Childcare workers who completed early childhood education degrees should have attended accredited institutions. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a school's early childhood education program is properly accredited.
Search Schools and Accreditation →