Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Licensing Procedure Manual
The licensing specialist 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 the following:
On-site observation;
A face-to-face interview;
A phone interview;
A written statement;
Photographs;
Undetected observation (referred to in law enforcement as surveillance). Typically, licensing specialists do not do this. Occasionally, however, it may be the only way to gather information when the licensee’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 capacity on a frequent basis. The Licensing Specialist must discuss the need for undetected observation with the licensing manager/licensing supervisor and receive authorization before taking this action.
Enlisting additional licensing staff to assist and/or serve as an eye witness;
Collection of physical evidence;
Review and documentation of observations of center records;
Photocopying center records;
Copies of records from another agency, e.g., court/police records, a protective service reports, reports from fire officials, building inspectors, coroner, etc.
The licensing specialist 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. If a translator is needed, the licensing specialist should discuss how to obtain one with the licensing manager/licensing supervisor.
This page last updated 10/2020.