Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) Resources for Parents

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For Parents Applying for Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy in Milwaukee County

  • Wisconsin Shares Application Process Diagram
     
  • Apply for Wisconsin Shares 
    Before you can receive a Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy authorization, you must be determined eligible for the program.
     
  • Request a Child Care Authorization Image of MyWIChildCare EBT card
    • A child care authorization is the number of hours you are approved for to cover your child care need. The child care need is based on the hours of your approved activity, the child’s schedule, the chosen child care provider operation hours, and the travel time needed in order for you to get to your activity on time. The hours approved are calculated into an approved subsidy dollar amount to cover a portion of your child care cost. You will use these funds to help pay for child care using your MyWIChildCare EBT card.
       
  • Eligibility and Authorization FAQs
     
  • MECA Contacts
    • The staff at the Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) is here to help you with all of your child care questions. You'll find key agency contacts for Wisconsin Shares Authorization and Program Integrity on the MECA Contact page.

Child Care Parent Portal / MyWIChildCare EBT Card Information

MyWIChildCare Resources for Parents

Looking for more information about MyWIChildCare and how to use the Parent Portal? Visit the MyWIChildCare for Parents page for training videos, fact sheets, brochures, tips on using the Parent Portal, and other materials to help you learn to use your MyWIChildCare card.

Wisconsin Child Care Finder

Use the Child Care Finder to locate high-quality, regulated child care near your home or work location.

Request an Authorization / Child Care Finder

  • Request a Child Care Authorization
    • A child care authorization is the number of hours you are approved for to cover your child care need. The child care need is based on the hours of your approved activity, the child's schedule, the chosen child care provider operation hours, and the travel time needed in order for you to get to your activity on time. The hours approved are calculated into an approved subsidy dollar amount to cover a portion of your child care cost. You will use these funds to help pay for child care using your MyWIChildCare EBT card.
  • Parent Rights and Responsibilities
  • MyWIChildCare Parent Bulletin
    • DCF wants parents receiving Wisconsin Shares to be informed about important aspects of the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy program, as well as the MyWIChildCare EBT card.
       
  • Sign Up to Receive Child Care Emails
     
  • Special Needs Support
    • If your child has special needs, contact the Special Needs Support Program (SNSP). They help families of children with special needs by increasing the capacity for inclusive child care. SNSP works with child care professionals to enhance skill and knowledge levels through educational instruction.
       
  • Youngstar - Wisconsin's Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement System YoungStar logo
    • YoungStar rates thousands of child care programs all over Wisconsin, so you can find a program that’s right for your family. Find in-depth information on each program we rate, including their hours, location, accreditation, evaluation history, and any regulatory violations they’ve received.
       
  • Wisconsin Child Care Finder
    • Use the Child Care Finder to locate high-quality, regulated child care near your home or work location.

Child Care Resources

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  • Special Needs Support
    • The Special Needs Support Program (SNSP) helps families of children with special needs by increasing the capacity for inclusive child care. SNSP works with child care professionals to enhance skill and knowledge levels through educational instruction.
       
  • Appeals and Fair Hearings
    • If you disagree with an overpayment or an Intentional Program Violation (IPV), you have the right to request a fair hearing.
       
  • DCF Child Care Resources

53206 Early Care and Education Initiative

Using resources provided in the most recent budget, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) intends to help people living in the 53206 zip code. Funds will support access to high-quality child care, as well as support the early childhood workforce. Read more about the 53206 Early Education Initiative. Image of African American daycare teacher reading to children

Public Assistance Collection Section (PACS)

The Public Assistance Collection Section (PACS) is responsible for collecting overpayments of public assistance benefits. PACS provides collection services for public assistance programs including: AFDC, Child Care, FoodShare, Job Access Loans, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, Badger Care, Badger Care Plus, Senior Care and W-2.

Report Fraud