To all licensed child care providers in Washington:
URGENT: Everyone who is required under state laws and DEL regulations to have a background check must complete a MERIT portable background check application before June 30, 2013.
Individuals
- If you have not submitted a background check since July 1, 2013, you must complete the portable background check application in MERIT before June 30, 2013.
- If you are 16 years or older and have not yet completed your MERIT portable background check, you may be required to complete the fingerprint process.
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View more information about the background check process on DEL's website.
Facilities
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DEL licensed facilities must be registered in MERIT, which they can accomplish by completing a Facility Registration Application.
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DEL-licensed facilities must comply with RCW 43.215.260 (LICENSE APPLICATION – NONEXPIRING LICENSES), which includes submitting background check applications as established by DEL for all individuals who have unsupervised access to children. This includes submitting the background check applications through MERIT. Failure to comply may result in adverse licensing action, such as civil penalty, suspension or closure.
- MERIT-registered facilities must confirm the status of each employee's portable background check by clicking on the editing icon to the right of each employee's name on the employee roster.
Getting started
If you have a STARS ID (or have ever had one in the past):
- Sign in to your MERIT professional record.
- Find the “Applications” tab at the top of the screen. You will see “portable background check application.” Complete and submit the application.
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If you are unable to sign in to your MERIT professional record, DEL has a step-by-step video that guides you to Finding your STARS ID.
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If you have been locked out of your MERIT account and need assistance, contact your local super-user; or contact MERIT support services at 1.866.482.4325, option 8, or by email at MERIT@del.wa.gov.
If you’ve never had a STARS ID:
- Visit MERIT online and click on “MERIT Registration.”
- Once you complete the MERIT registration, proceed to "requesting a STARS ID," under the Applications tab. You are required to have a STARS ID before you will be able to complete the portable background check application.
- View the following step-by-step video guides: Registering in MERIT if you do not have a STARS ID; Getting a STARS ID
- If you are unable to sign into MERIT and need assistance, contact your local super-user; or contact MERIT support services at 1.866.482.4325, option 8, or by email at MERIT@del.wa.gov.
As always, please talk with your DEL licensor if you have questions or need more information.
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