Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Licensing Procedure Manual
When entry is denied or stalled (for example, “This isn’t a good time. Come back later.”), the licensing specialist should inform the provider that, by statute, they must permit entry. If the refusal continues, the licensing specialist should leave and immediately consult with the licensing manager/licensing supervisor about next steps. Next steps may be for the licensing specialist to make another attempt to complete the on-site visit. Sometimes, it is possible to gain entry to a child care center by arriving at drop-off time and walking up to the center with a parent who is delivering a child. Once the door is open, the licensing specialist can ask for the person in charge from the open doorway. The licensing specialist should not enter the center without the provider’s knowledge. Other options may be to have another licensing specialist, or the licensing manager/licensing supervisor, make another attempt with or without the primary licensing specialist; or, use a special inspection warrant to gain entry.
4.3. If Center Entry is Denied
4.3.1. Obtaining and Delivering the Special Inspection Warrant
This page last updated 10/2020.