Pre-Licensing

Start here if you're interested in starting your own child care business.

Who must be regulated in Wisconsin?

Anyone caring for 4 or more children under the age of 7
Child care programs must be regulated and have 2 or more stars to be eligible to accept Wisconsin Shares funding
All group child care centers

Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families:

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/ccregulation

Additional DWD Support*

Right now there is additional support to help with essential business materials, equipment and and initial licensing fees. Click on the flyer image below or contact us to learn more!

Want to learn more about starting a child care program?

Virtual Info Sessions are offered online on the last Thursday of every month from 1 - 1:30 PM. Staff will provide an overview of child care regulations and how to start a child care program in your own home.

In-person sessions are offered throughout the year in the communities we serve. We'd love for you to RSVP if you’d like to stop by, or just let us know you’d like more information.

Roadmap to Child Care Regulation

Are you interested in starting a child care business? Whether you're still determining which path is the right one for you or you have decided and are ready to get started, Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families's Online Roadmap to Regulation Tool can help you navigate the process.

Let us help you!

Pre-Licensing is a FREE service from Child Care Partnership for potential child care providers. We provide one-on-one licensing preparation technical assistance in Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix and Trempealeau Counties, including the Ho-Chunk Nation.

If you work outside of our service delivery area, you can find help here.

The purpose of pre-licensing is to prepare family and group early care and education professionals for the state licensing process. This is done through technical assistance on how to set-up appropriate child care environments, policies, procedures, staffing strategies, and safety measures. This process is completed through a policy review and a site visit.

Step 1: Determine the type of business you will be

Family child care: a child care program that provides care and supervision for less than 24 hours a day for at least 4 and not more than 8 children who are not related to the provider, typically located in the provider's home.

Group child care: a child care program that provides care and supervision for less than 24 hours a day for 9 or more children who are not related to the provider, typically located in a commercial building.

A quick guide to regulated child care

Information on starting a child care

Information on regulation types

Step 2: Complete an Expression of Interest form (EOI)

Go to DCF's Starting a Licensed Child Care page
Follow the steps to create a Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP)
Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) User Guide
Complete the EOI there
EOI Application Guide
The EOI will be sent directly to Child Care Partnership/Pre-Licensing

Step 3: Your Child Care Partnership pre-licensor will contact you

Please allow at least 3 business days for this email or call to reach you.

While you are awaiting next steps, please review the DCF Inquiry Packet (located at the bottom of that linked web page) to view:

Rule books (Click here to purchase a printed rule book)
Training Requirements
Other helpful information

Step 4: Work with your CCP Pre-Licensor to prepare for your DCF licensing visit

Your Pre-Licensor will provide guidance on:

Your business's Policy Handbook
Building requirements
Provider training and education
Health and safety
Best business practices
Purchasing the required Licensing Manual

This service is brought to local communities in partnership with Thriving Wisconsin and is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). If you work outside of our service delivery area, you can find help here.