Childcaring

Your Local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency

Licensed Child Care

There are 3 different categories of state licensed child care:

  • Licensed Family Child Care Centers provide care for between 4 and 8 children. This care is usually in the provider's home.
  • Licensed Group Child Care Centers provide care for 9 or more children. These centers are usually located somewhere other than a residence and may be small or large in size.
  • Licensed Day Camps are seasonal programs that provide experiences for 4 or more children 3 years of age and older. These programs usually operate in an outdoor setting.

Licensing standards are established under DCF 250 (Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers) and DCF 251 (Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Centers). It is extremely important that you obtain, review and understand these standards.

  1. Initial Inquiry: Access materials on the DCF website here.
    • Expression of Interest: Submit your interest in Group or Family Child Care Licensing by setting up an account in the Child Care Provider Portal and selecting the type of license you are interested in. Your local pre-licensing agency will contact you within a few days.
    • Inquiry Packet: Carefully read through all materials related to the type of license you wish to obtain. A business startup worksheet will need to be completed; your Pre-Licensing Technical Consultant will let you know when to complete this step.
  2. Pre-licensing: A Pre-Licensing Technical Consultant will provide help with licensing rules and procedures, writing policies, and on-site support, at no cost to you.
  3. Document Submission: After completing pre-licensing, you will receive the application and be informed of other documentation that will need to be submitted to the regional licensing office.
  4. Probationary License: Upon satisfactory completion of the initial application process, a decision on whether to issue a six-month Probationary License will be made.
  5. Regular License: Thirty days prior to the expiration date of a Probationary License, additional paperwork must be submitted, including an application with two-year licensing fee. To obtain your actual two-year License, you must be in substantial compliance with licensing regulations.

Childcaring provides free pre-licensing assistance to anyone who is interested in becoming a licensed child care provider in the following counties: Adams, Clark, Marquette, and Waushara. 

If you reside outside of these counties please visit WECA.

During your pre-licensing process you may receive the following:

  • Assistance and guidance on completing the appropriate forms and applications
  • Policy review and resources
  • Site visit to help prepare for initial licensing visit
  • Assistance with navigating licensing rules
  • Phone and/or email technical assistance
 

Licensed Family Child Care

Licensed Group Child Care

If you have any questions while navigating the process of becoming licensed, please contact Childcaring!  To learn more visit our Starting a Child Care Business page.