Background Studies

Background studies help keep children safe

State law requires a completed background study to provide child care. They are required for anyone living in the child care household or moving into a child care household over the age of 13.

Background studies are also required for child care providers and anyone assisting in a child care program. Fingerprinting may be required for adults and caregivers. Background studies need to be updated every five years.

Start a background study

For new applicants, background study information is included in your application packet.

For current licensed providers, submit a ​Data Collection Form if:

• You have a household member turning 13 or becoming an adult
• You have added or are going to add  a caregiver in your program

Once received, your licensor will send you NETSudy 2.0 instructions. NETStudy 2.0 is the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families's background study system. It requires those submitting a background study to set up an account and enter the Data Collec​tion form.

State background study information

• Background studies for child care providers - Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Background studies - Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Child care provider FAQs - Minnesota Department of Human Services