Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
In order to monitor for compliance with certification rules it is necessary for certification workers to conduct announced or unannounced monitoring site visits during the certified hours of operation.
In accordance with DCF 202.08(1m)(a)9.a certified operator shall permit a child care certification worker to conduct inspections to monitor for compliance with certification standards. Even if children are not present during the time of the visit, the certification worker has authority to inspect the premises and monitor for compliance during hours of operation. The Certification Application DWSW-48-E signature statement reads as follows:
By signature I signify a willingness to provide the certification agency and / or Department of Children and Families with information to verify whether or not the requirements for certification are met and further authorize the certification agency or department to make such investigation as is necessary for verification of these factors, including access to the premises any time during hours of operation.
Unannounced annual monitoring of certified family child care programs began 11/19/16. Although certification workers must monitor for specific health and safety rules unannounced annually, there is nothing precluding certification workers from monitoring for additional rules on the Standards and Checklist annually. In-home child care operators (care provided in the child’s home) shall be monitored annually, however, in-home operators are exempt from the unannounced monitoring requirement.
COVID-19 Update
See Module 7 - Monitoring, Section 1 - Overview for updated COVID-19 guidance.
This page last updated 02/2021.