Regulated Child Care

Child care certification in Wisconsin is a voluntary form of regulation for providers who care for fewer than 4 children under 7 years of age. Certification is required for providers who receive public funding but are exempt from licensing. Certification is based on standards established by the Department of Children and Families and contracted to local counties and tribes.

In Wisconsin, anyone providing care and supervision for four or more children, under 7 years of age, for less than 24 hours a day must be licensed by the Department of Children and Families. Licensed Child Care Centers are programs that serve nine or more children and must meet specific regulations of ratios of caregivers to children and group size.