Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Licensing Procedure Manual
Typically, licensing staff does not interview child care children during a complaint investigation. However, the licensing specialist must obtain information from people with knowledge about the allegations in the complaint and, in unusual situations, this may include a particular child or children. For example, the licensing specialist may find that only an involved child can provide information regarding a complaint about safety concerns that the county is not investigating. The licensing specialist should always try to obtain all necessary information from the most knowledgeable source other than a child first. If the licensing specialist believes a child must be interviewed, s/he must consult with the licensing manager/licensing supervisor and receive approval and guidance before proceeding.
If it is necessary to conduct a formal interview of a child, the licensing specialist should:
Obtain parental permission. This applies to providers regarding their own children as well as parents of child care children.
Request the parent to be present during the interview. However, parents should be instructed to let the child talk freely and not contribute unless specifically asked for information.
Older, articulate children may be interviewed without a parent present with the parent’s permission.
Conduct the interview in the least stressful setting for the child.
Strive to make the interview as non-threatening as possible. Begin with rapport setting questions, for example, asking the child what s/he likes about the center. Follow the guidelines provided in section 6.2.
This page last updated 10/2020.