One of the most important safety protections in BC’s licensed childcare system is the criminal record check (CRC) requirement for all educators and volunteers who have unsupervised access to children. This guide explains what BC’s background check requirements mean for parents evaluating Surrey BC childcare options in 2026.
BC Criminal Record Check (CRC) Requirements for Licensed Childcare
Under BC’s Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA), all employees, contractors, and volunteers at MCFD-licensed childcare centres who have unsupervised access to children must complete a criminal record check through the BC Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP). This includes: the operator/director; all ECE educators; assistant educators; cooks and kitchen staff with child access; maintenance workers with unsupervised child access; and volunteers. The CRRP check is more comprehensive than a standard police check — it screens against both criminal convictions and non-conviction records relevant to child safety.
How Often Must CRC Checks Be Renewed in BC?
BC’s CRRP requires criminal record checks to be renewed every 5 years for those working with children. MCFD inspectors verify that all required staff have current CRC approvals during inspections. If a staff member’s CRC expires or is not renewed, they cannot legally have unsupervised access to children at the licensed centre until renewal is complete. When touring a Surrey BC childcare centre, you can ask the director to confirm that all educators have current CRRP approvals. This is a reasonable and welcome question at any quality licensed centre.
What the BC CRRP Check Reviews
BC’s CRRP is a “vulnerable sector” check — more detailed than a standard police information check. It reviews: Criminal convictions: Any criminal conviction in Canada. Non-conviction records relevant to child safety: Charges, acquittals, or stays that are relevant to working with vulnerable populations. Sex offender registry: All child-related offences. Police information records: Even non-conviction records where there are child protection concerns. The CRRP does not automatically disqualify someone based on any conviction — the reviewer assesses whether the record poses a risk to children specifically. Disqualified individuals are prohibited from working in any licensed childcare setting in BC.
Mini Minds Childcare — CRC Compliance
All educators and staff at Mini Minds Childcare hold current BC Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) approvals. We are fully compliant with BC’s MCFD licensing requirements, including the CRC requirement for all child-facing staff. MCFD inspections verify this compliance annually. Contact Mini Minds to learn more about our safety practices and book a tour →