When you drop your child off at day care how confident are you that you know the person watching your precious child?

You might be surprised to find out that in North Dakota, we`re not too sure. When people sign up to become child care providers there is only minimal background information gathered.

"There is a voluntary check process called Care Check that is BCI level and child abuse and neglect related incidents will also show up on that check process," says Tara Mulhauser, Deputy Director of Children and Family Services.

The level of checks does not go as high as the FBI checks. That is where fingerprints are done and would allow for greater knowledge of the provider before handing over our children.

"That is not a criminal background check on our providers, it is only a child abuse and neglect background check," says Paul Ronningen, Director of Children and Family Services.

Each state is different and they all have the option to pass their own child care standards. Last legislative session Children and Family services worked with the Attorney General`s office to include Foster Care on a billl that included FBI level background checks, but will it happen for day care providers?

"It would require a law change to do that and I think if somebody brings forth legislation to do so, the check could become mandatory," says Mulhauser.

Ronningen and Mulhauser suggest talking to your provider and asking them if they are on the Care Check and if they`re not, suggest that they get on it.

"It`s very important for parents to know the background of their childcare provider. Ask whether they have a criminal background, to ask if they`ve ever been involved in any lilcense revocation activity or child abuse and neglect activity," says Mulhauser.

Mulhauser also suggests inquiring about any other adults that may have access to the children during the day and what their backgrounds include.

Full article available at KFYR-TV North Dakota's NBC News Leader.