Process for Monitoring and Inspecting Licensed Day Care Programs

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

The Office of Licensing & Accreditation (OLA), is responsible for statewide oversight of licensed child care programs. Compliance with applicable laws and administrative rules is monitored through the review and evaluation of application materials, annual facility inspections, follow-up on any non-compliance issues, and the investigation of complaints. All licensed facilities begin the licensing process with a floor plan review conducted by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Department of Health to ensure the proposed facility meets fire, life safety, and environmental health standards. Once the floor plan is approved, an announced on-site facility safety inspection is conducted prior to the program’s operation.

Each subsequent year, an unannounced annual facility safety and program inspection is conducted. Any inaccuracies or non-compliance identified during or after inspections must be corrected immediately, or the provider must provide a justification. Issues may be reviewed during or following the inspection, including after inspection results are posted online.

All inspections of licensed programs are two-fold:

1. Program Inspection: Conducted by OLA/CCS licensing specialists using the Program Inspection Form. This inspection focuses on children’s programming, care practices, and administrative procedures.
2. Facility Safety Inspection: Conducted by Department of Public Safety staff using the Facility Safety Inspection Form. This inspection focuses on fire and life safety standards as well as environmental health standards.

Complaints Related to Licensing Compliance

OLA licensing specialists address each complaint received regarding compliance with child care regulations. When a complaint results in non-compliance with licensing rules, the licensing specialist collaborates with the provider to develop a compliance or corrective action plan and establish a timeframe for resolution.

For transparency, the following information is available on plans posted on the OLA Constituent Portal:

• Date of the citation
• Licensing rule/s in violation
• Brief description of the issue
• Required correction
• Provider’s corrective actions

Complaints Related to Child Abuse or Neglect

Complaints alleging child abuse or neglect are immediately referred to the Division of Child Protection Services (CPS).

To report suspected abuse or neglect, contact CPS toll-free at 877.244.0864.

Online Child Care Provider Monitoring and Inspections

Inspection results for licensed child care providers are available to the public through the OLA MIS Constituent Portal. This online portal allows families to make informed decisions when selecting child care providers by viewing:

• Annual monitoring inspection results
• Substantiated complaint inspection results

How to Access Inspection Reports

1. Visit the Searchable Database.
2. Search for a provider by type of provider, name, city, county, or ZIP code.
3. Click on the provider’s name to open the Provider Information Page.
4. Scroll to the bottom and select Inspection and Compliance/Corrective Action plans to view the most recent inspection information.

Inspection Reports Include:

• Date of inspection
• Provider name
• Type of inspection (initial or annual)
• All questions and standards monitored for compliance
• Summary of compliance results

Compliance or Corrective Action Plans Include:

• Citation of licensing rule or law for non-compliance
• Summary of the violation and required correction
• Provider’s corrective action(s)
• Date correction was completed
• Any serious injury or death resulting from a health or safety violation

Inspection reports and compliance or corrective action plans from the past four years are available for review. Newly licensed programs may have fewer reports available.