Before you apply

Wanting to apply for a child care position at Small Faces?  

If so, you will need 5 things before you will be able to start working in a licensed child care in Washington:

  • Get registered with the state
  • Get a child care provider ID number
  • Pass a background check (which requires getting fingerprinted)
  • Have documentation of a TB test in the last 12 months
  • Have proof of Measles (MMR) vaccination or immunity

Without these you won’t be able to start working, and the process can take weeks to complete.  Luckily you can start the process now while you are applying for positions, you don’t have to wait to be hired.  We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to take you through the whole process.

You will need the following things before you get started:

  • A working email address 
  • A state issued ID or Driver License
  • A list of all addresses where you have lived for the last 5 years
  • A location to get a TB test and the funds to cover the cost if you do not have insurance

Step 1: Register with MERIT, the Washington State workforce registry for child care workers.

  1. Visit MERIT at merit.dcyf.wa.gov
  2. Click on ‘Sign In or Register’
  3. Fill out the required fields (first name, middle name, last name, birth date, primary email).This information should match what is on your ID.
  4. Next create a password. Write down your password hint and answer someplace safe as you will need  this to access your account if you ever forget your password.
  5. You will get an email at the email account you used to register.  Check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
  6. In the email there is a link to activate your account. You should be taken to a page that indicates you have successfully created an account
  7. Return to ‘Sign In’ page https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister
  8. Sign in. Your username is your email address.

Step 2: Get a STARS ID number

  1. Sign in to your MERIT account
  2. go to the ‘My Applications’ tab
  3. Click on the application ‘STARS ID Number’
  4. Follow the steps to apply for your STARS ID
  5. Write down your STARS ID someplace that you can easily access.  You will use this number whenever you take STARS approved child care trainings.  You will need 10 hours of these per year to keep working in child care in Washington State.

Step 3: Get a Portable Background Check

Important:

Even if you have applied for background checks for other entities, like a public school, children’s sports, etc., you will still need to do another background check through DCYF in order to work in licensed child care.

You must have a STARS ID number before applying for a Portable Background Check (PBC) application.  

Your first name, last name, date of birth and gender in MERIT should match what is listed on your current ID. If your information does not match, please send a copy of your current ID to .

To get a DCYF required background check:

  1. Login to MERIT at merit.dcyf.wa.gov
  2. Click on the “My Applications” tab.
  3. Click on the blue link labeled “Portable Background Check”.

Step 4: Get Fingerprints

Important:

Your background check application is not complete until you get fingerprinted. 

You must travel to one of the approved fingerprinting sites for fingerprints.

Even if you have been fingerprinted for other entities, you will still need to get fingerprinted through DCYF in order to start work.

This must happen within two weeks of submitting your application or you will have to start the process over again.

To get fingerprinted:

  1. You will get an email with instructions to set up a fingerprint appointment
  2. Choose the nearest fingerprinting site and schedule an appointment
  3. Remember to bring your ID with you to the appointment

Upon completion of this required background check, you will receive email confirmation that your background is completed and you are cleared to work in child care. 

Step 5: Get a TB test

If you have a primary doctor, you should be able to get a TB test at your doctor’s office.  Many urgent care facilities will also offer this test.  Without insurance the test can cost between $70- $200.

Step 6: Get documentation of Measles (MMR) vaccination or immunity

Many long time Washington residents can access their vaccination records at this site: wa.myir.net 

You can also check in with your doctor about vaccination records or options for getting a blood test to prove immunity or get a new MMR vaccination.