Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning Complaint/Concerns Process
The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) staff will review all complaints/concerns and, if necessary, an inspection will be completed. All complaints/concerns can be submitted anonymously.
Child care providers are independent business owners, and set their own operational policies about child care staff wages, days/hours of operation or general business practices.
Any person who suspects that child abuse or neglect may have occurred in a child care program has a duty to report to the Department of Child Services at 800-800-5556.
Examples of regulation concerns that might be reported include:
- Children not being fed nutritious meals.
- Activities or materials not appropriate for the ages of children in care
- Staff responsible for too many children
- Children being left in classrooms without an adult present.
Examples of voucher issues that might be reported include:
- Provider marking attendance for children that are not enrolled or forging a parent signature
- Provider charging parents more than the amounts listed on their vouchers
- Provider not keeping children at the address listed on their vouchers
- Misrepresenting enrollment or eligibility
OECOSL offers several ways to file a complaint:
- Call 800-511-1144
- Complete the Complaint Form
When filing a complaint or concern, please be prepared to share the following information:
- The name of the child care program or provider.
- The address of the child care program.
- Details about your concern.
- Any information about individuals involved in the incident.
- Approximate date, time, and the location where the incident occurred.