Employed at Marshfield Clinic or Security Health Plan – Contact us for a child care referral. As an employee, you are eligible for an enhanced referral that includes additional information such as potential openings. For more information on enhanced referrals click here.
Childcaring provides free referrals to families looking for regulated child care that meets their needs within our service delivery area.
Your information is put into our database to match your criteria (such as age, hours, days, location) with a child care provider.
You will then be provided a computer generated list of providers to contact to see if they have openings and are a right fit for your family.
Contact us for a child care referral today! We have several options below.
By Phone: Call, 1.800.628.8534, or stop in our office to speak with a referral specialist. There is a short intake form to go through that gets your information to be put into our database to match a provider to your needs. This list can then be mailed or emailed to you.
Online: Visit our online search directory here. Fill out this self-guided child care search and obtain instant search results. Save your results to access them at a later time.
Childcaring provides information on regulated child care; we do not recommend one program over another. We understand how difficult it maybe to find a child care that works best for your family. When searching for child care it is important for you and your family to feel comfortable with your choice in provider. We recommend always doing your homework before making your choice. Ask for references, visit the provider (both announced and unannounced), view regulations checks, etc. Below are a few resources to help with your search.
- Your Child Care – Is It Legal
- Cuidado Infantil – ¿es legal?
- Regulation Compliance
- Walk in My Shoes (quality child care resource)
- Camina en mis Zapatos
- YoungStar
Understanding Child Care Regulation – Wisconsin State Law
Anyone providing care and supervision for four (4) or more children, under age 7 years, for less than 24 hours a day must be certified/licensed by the Department of Children and Families.
Certified family child care provides care in the providers own home. This type of regulation allows you to care for 1 to 3 unrelated children under age 7.
The maximum group size for certification is 6 children.
Licensed Family Child Care provides care in the providers own home. This type of regulation allows you to care for 4 to 8 children, depending on the age of the children in care.
The maximum group size for licensed child care is 8, including the providers own children under 7 and any additional children over 7.
Licensed Group Child Care usually takes place in a commercial building. This type of regulation allows you to care for 9 or more children depending on the space available.
Children are typically group together by ages, and staff must maintain staff-to-child rations and maximum group sizes based on the age of the children.
Why Choosing Quality Child Care Matters
Choosing quality child care makes today better and tomorrow brighter for your child. The early years in a child's life are very important for health and development. During the first five years a child's brain is the most flexible, making it an important time for learning and growth. Quality child care helps your child get off to the best possible start and paves the way for them in the future.
Video from First Five Years Fund