20 CAR § 1025-209 – Child Maltreatment Central Registry Checks

(a) The following persons shall be required to have their background reviewed through a Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.

(b) Prospective employees who have not lived in the State of Arkansas during the preceding five (5) years will be subject to current federal guidelines regarding conducting a child maltreatment background check in any states where they resided during the past five (5) years:

(1) Each applicant to own or operate a childcare facility	At application and every two (2) years thereafter
(2) Staff members and applicants for employment in a childcare facility	Prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter
(3) All volunteers, therapists, and student observers, who have routine contact with children	Prior to providing services or participating in center activities and every two (2) years thereafter
(4) Administrative staff and members of the board of directors who have supervisory or disciplinary control over children or who have routine contact with children	At application and when changes occur with administrative staff or board members, and every two (2) years thereafter

(c)
1. (1) If a complaint of child maltreatment is filed against any owner, operator, staff, or other person in a childcare center, the childcare licensing specialist shall evaluate the risk to children and determine the suitability of the person or persons to supervise, be left alone with children, have disciplinary control over children, or remain in the center during hours of care until the allegations have been determined true or unsubstantiated.
2. (2) Pending the evaluation of risk to children by the Child Care Licensing Unit, the person or persons alleged shall not be left alone with children.
(d)
1. (1) If corrective action is appropriate, the facility shall require all staff members who have had a founded report of child maltreatment to follow the corrective action plan specified by the licensing unit.
2. (2) Corrective action measures may vary from relevant training to reassignment or termination.
3. (3) Failure to comply with corrective action plans may constitute grounds for adverse action against the licensee.
(e)
1. (1) The statewide Child Maltreatment Hotline and the Child Care Licensing Central Office number shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the childcare facility.
2. (2) The Child Maltreatment Hotline number is 1-800-482-5964 and the Child Care Licensing Central Office number is (501) 682-8590 or toll-free 1-800-445-3316.