Wisconsin Child Care Licensing Rules and Manuals
Free copies of the licensing rules and commentary manuals are available by clicking directly on the links listed below. You may duplicate copies of the rules if you choose.
Purchase printed copies: To purchase printed copies of the rule books, see the DCF-F-CFS4099 - Instructions for Obtaining Licensing Rule Books. Printed copies of the commentary manuals are not for sale from the department.
To view and download provider training tools related to the recent licensing rule revisions, please visit the Proposed Child Care Rulemaking Projects webpage.
- Child Care Background Checks
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- Chapter 48 Children's Code 48.686 Criminal history and child abuse record search; child care
- DCF 13 Background Checks for Child Care Programs
- Barred Offenses - Regulated Child Care (DCF-P-5206)
- Family Child Care Centers
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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.
- DCF 250 Rule Book for Family Child Care Centers, DCF-P-PFS203
- DCF 250 - Revisor's Version (Best viewed in Chrome.)
- Appendix A (Best viewed in Chrome.)
- DCF 250 Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers w/ Commentary, DCF-P-PFS4069
- Group Child Care Centers
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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.
- Day Camps
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A child care program that provides care and supervision to 4 or more children age 3 and older in a seasonal program oriented to the out-of-doors for less than 24 hours a day.