Process for Monitoring and Inspecting In-home and Informal Providers

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

The Child Care Services (CCS) is responsible for statewide oversight of informal and in-home providers. Although this group of providers is exempt from meeting registration or licensure requirements, they are required to meet federal and state health and safety requirements, obtain training, and have an annual inspection. Monitoring the program for compliance with applicable laws and administrative rules is achieved through review and evaluation of all intent to provide services materials; home inspections; follow-up to any non-compliance issues and investigation of complaints.

Prior to becoming approved as an informal provider, these individuals receive an initial on-site home inspection. The provider is notified during the inspection visit of any non-compliance issues and provided a date for correcting them. Once all compliance issues are met, CCS approval is provided.  

In addition, an announced on-site home renewal inspection visit is conducted annually. The results of this inspection are posted on the Child Care Services web-based online inspection system.  Families can search by provider number to obtain monitoring and inspection results.

Complaints Related to Regulatory Compliance

CCS licensing specialists address each complaint received relating to compliance with informal care regulations.  If the complaint is found to have occurred (substantiated), the licensing specialist works with the provider on a plan of correction and a time frame for resolution of the issue. The date of the complaint, a brief description of the complaint issue, and a description of the correction taken is documented on the online inspection website.

Complaints Related to Child Abuse or Neglect

Complaints that relate to the abuse or neglect of a child are to be reported to the Division of Child Protection Services (CPS), toll-free at 877.244.0864.