Wisconsin Statewide Rule
Wisconsin Family Child Care Home Licensing
Key Facts
- Licensing statute
- Wis. Stat. 48.65
- License threshold
- 4 to 8 children
- Residential zoning
- Permitted statewide
- Pre-license training
- 40 hours minimum
Summary
Wisconsin requires state licensing or certification for any home caring for four or more unrelated children. The Department of Children and Families administers uniform standards that preempt conflicting local rules.
No person may for compensation provide care and supervision for 4 or more children under the age of 7 for less than 24 hours a day unless that person obtains a license to operate a child care center from the department.
Full Breakdown
Under Wis. Stat. section 48.65 and DCF 250, a family child care home serving 4 to 8 children must be licensed by the Department of Children and Families. Smaller in-home care for 1 to 3 children may operate under county certification per DCF 202. Standards cover background checks, square footage, caregiver-to-child ratios, training (minimum 40 hours pre-licensing), safe sleep, nutrition, and emergency planning. State law treats licensed family child care as a permitted residential use; municipalities cannot prohibit licensed homes serving up to 8 children in residential zones, though reasonable building and parking rules apply.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without required licensure is a misdemeanor under Wis. Stat. 48.76, with fines up to $10,000 and possible imprisonment. DCF may seek injunctions to close unlicensed operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a Wisconsin child care license?
Can my city ban a licensed home daycare?
What training is required?
Sources
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