Contemporary Issues in Licensing: Child Care Licensing Inspection Policies--ARCHIVED

In a series of reports about contemporary issues in licensing, this report focuses on States’ inspection policies and practices – guidelines and rules on monitoring providers’ compliance with the law and the regulations. Strong licensing regulations, without a commitment to routine inspections, do not protect children from harm. Inspection of child care programs by licensing agencies and other regulators helps ensure that child care programs are following the State’s rules for protecting the health and safety of the children enrolled. Topics include authorization for inspections, frequency and type of inspection: announced or unannounced, use of technology to aid in the inspection process, and public access to inspection and enforcement actions.