Child Care Background Check Update (March 2023)

The following information is a summary of the State of Alaska background check system, and the necessary steps to securely apply.

BCP: All State of Alaska background checks for licensed child care, including in the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA), are conducted by the New Alaska Background Check System (NABCS) also called the Background Check Program (BCP), a separate entity from Alaska’s state and local government. If you are having difficulties with NABCS, please contact the Background Check Program directly.
- BCP Contact Information
  - Website: Background Check Program (alaska.gov)
  - Phone: 907-334-4475
  - Email: BCUnit@alaska.gov
ApplicationSubmission: In Alaska, all background check applications MUST be submitted via the NABCS online system (paper applications are no longer accepted).
- Website: New Alaska Background Check System Provider User Guide (NABCS)
5-Year Renewal: NABCS requires individuals to renew their background checks every 5 years. Those who transitioned to the NABCS 5 years ago are either past due or almost due for renewal.
- Just over five years ago, the MOA began to transition licensed childcare programs in the MOA to using the NABCS system.
BCP Account: It is recommended that child care programs regularly access their BCP account to assure they have current access and to check expiration dates for their employees or family members.

Whitelisting: New and renewal NABCS background check applications MUST be submitted online from a computer with a secure connection. To establish a secure connection, the NABCS system requires “whitelisting” the static IP address of the computer that is being used to submit the application. This simply means that the computer’s IP address is shared with NABCS system, and the NABCS system enters that computer’s IP address on their “whitelist” so information can be securely exchanged between that computer and the NABCS system.
- Whitelisting FAQs: BACKGOUND CHECK PROGRAM WHITELISTING PROCESS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (alaska.gov)
Static IP: A static IP address is required for NABCS whitelisting to occur, which means the computer’s IP address does not change. Options for arranging a static IP address include:
- Internet Service Provider (ISP): To make arrangements for a static IP address, contact your local ISP. This may require a business account with the provider.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): An alternative is to use a VPN. In this scenario, the VPN gateway has a dedicated static IP address that can be whitelisted. Many companies provide VPN services, learn more here (PC Computing)