Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
The certification worker must decide the best method through which to gather the information needed to conclude the investigation in the most efficient and effective manner. Time and resources may be a factor in the decision. Examples of how information can be gathered include:
On-site observation
Face-to-face interviews
Phone interviews
Collecting written statements
Taking photographs
Undetected observation (referred to in law enforcement as surveillance). Typically, certification workers do not do this. Occasionally, however, it may be the only way to gather information when the certified operator’s truthfulness or records are questionable. For example, it may be necessary to conduct an undetected observation of a family child care that is alleged to be exceeding group size on a frequent basis.
Enlisting additional agency staff to assist and / or serve as an eye witness
Collecting physical evidence
Reviewing and documenting observations of program records
Photocopying program records
Obtaining / reviewing copies of records from another agency, e.g., court / police records, protective service reports, reports from fire officials, building inspectors, etc.
The certification worker must also consider what equipment might be needed to collect necessary information such as a tape measure, thermometer, camera, etc., and whether it is necessary to enlist the help of a translator for an interview.
5.3.2 Considering the Best Place to Gather the Information
5.3.3 Determining the Best Time to Gather the Information
This page last updated 07/29/2015.