Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Background Check Procedures
A review panel of at least two persons is convened to review the rehabilitation review request information. The panel may be larger if representatives from each of the various programs for which the requestor is seeking approval are present. Although the review panel does not always need to be made up of the same individuals, it will include persons familiar with child care who have knowledge or expertise pertaining to the issues or areas that caused the bar. For example, if court documents indicate sexual abuse, it is recommended that the panel have at least one person who has knowledge or expertise on this topic.
The requestor has an opportunity to appear before the review panel or by phone to answer any questions the panel members may have, or they may choose not to participate in the meeting. If the requestor appears, the panel members gather additional information in an informal question and answer format. Sometimes the requestor is asked to provide additional documentation, which may delay the panel’s decision.
After reviewing the requestor’s information, the review panel decides by a consensus decision-making process whether the requestor has demonstrated, by clear and convincing evidence, that he or she is rehabilitated for purposes of receiving regulatory approval, employment as a caregiver or residence at a center. During deliberation, the panel may consider numerous factors, as specified in Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 13.13(4). The review panel will issue a written decision to approve, defer or deny rehabilitation review approval.
This page last updated 10/2019.