Caregivers licensed by the state subject themselves to periodic, unannounced inspections. During such visits, the licenser will check the temperature of the hot water coming out of faucets. She ll pore over records even those verifying the fact that the day care holds monthly fire drills. She may even measure the distance between cots during naptime, to make sure each child has adequate personal space. Background checks and training are required.
Certification is is the next rung down the ladder.
Each county regulates certified care for anyone who cares for up to six children. Background checks and drop-in visits are done, but compared to the licensing process, there are fewer regulations to follow. Presently, there are 1,500 licensed in-home and group centers in southeastern Wisconsin, and approximately that same number of certified caregivers in Milwaukee County. The system has its limits For four years, Rudy O Connor has worked as a day care licenser, conducting drop-in visits, maintaining paperwork and following up on complaints for 114 centers. Her job can be overwhelming, particularly with the dramatic surge in day care supply and demand because of W-2 reforms.