Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Licensing Procedure Manual
Undetected observation (referred to in law enforcement as surveillance) is typically not an activity that licensing specialists perform. Occasionally, however, it may be the only way to gather information when a child care provider has a history of presumed illegal operation and/or the provider’s truthfulness is questionable. For example, it may be necessary to conduct an undetected observation of a child care center when there have been numerous complaints that could not be substantiated but the frequency of complaints suggests that the provider is caring for a licensable number of children. The licensing specialist must discuss the need for undetected observation with the licensing manager/licensing supervisor and receive authorization before taking this action. If the licensing manager/licensing supervisor authorizes this course of action, the licensing specialist should consider contacting the local law enforcement agency to explain when/why the observation will occur. Observation should occur at times when parents presumably will be dropping off or picking up children. If possible, the licensing specialist should interview the parents. If it is impossible or inadvisable to question parents directly, the licensing specialist should take down license plate numbers and discuss next steps with the regional manager/supervisor.
Surveillance of a provider may be conducted by an independent investigation agency under contract with DCF. This would only occur following consultation with the licensing manager/licensing supervisor and Office of Legal Counsel, and approval from the BECR Director.
This page last updated 10/2020.