Get Kids Ready Intent to Participate Información en español The Intent to Participate for the 2026-2027 school year is now closed. Child care providers that did not submit an Intent to Participate by February 1, 2026, are not be able to participate in Get Kids Ready for the 2026-2027 school year. Child care providers will have an opportunity to submit their Intent to Participate for the 2027-2028 school year and beyond, which will be made available at a later date. Important Dates and Requirements 2026-27 Intent to Participate Dates The Intent to Participate for the 2026-27 Get Kids Ready school year opened on January 6, 2026 and closed on February 1, 2026. 2027-28 Intent to Participate Dates The Intent to Participate for the 2027-28 Get Kids Ready school year will open in early 2027 and will close on February 1, 2027. Make sure you are subscribed to DCF's weekly Child Care Provider Updates emails for the announcement of the exact date or check back here. Eligibility Requirements Child care providers will need to meet all eligibility requirements to participate in Get Kids Ready. However, requirements are verified at different checkpoints throughout the application process. During the Intent to Participate providers must: Be licensed or certified Provide information outlined below Attest that they understand and agree to meet all Get Kids Ready eligibility and application requirements Intent to Participate Overview During the Intent to Participate, child care providers will: Enter contact information Indicate the maximum number of slots they plan on making available for Get Kids Ready. This will be the maximum number of slots they can receive payment for the school year Attest that they understand and agree to meet all Get Kids Ready eligibility and application requirements, including: Child care programs must be in compliance with all legal, financial, and regulatory requirements imposed by law or administrative rule. Child care programs must implement a curriculum that meets the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) for children participating in Get Kids Ready. Children being served in Get Kids Ready for the 2026-2027 school year must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. Lead teachers providing instruction for Get Kids Ready must have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, in any field of study. Child care programs must provide at least 437 hours of instruction in elementary school readiness to children participating in Get Kids Ready between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Child care programs may not have a contract with a school district to provide 4-year-old kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year. After the Intent to Participate is submitted by February 1, 2026, child care providers will be required to verify they meet eligibility requirements in a Program Eligibility Verification Application, which opens in April 2026 and is due by May 15, 2026. Frequently Asked Questions Please read through the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Contact Information Still have questions? Please submit a Get Kids Ready Inquiry form. Return to Get Kids Ready webpage for child care providers.
