Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
The content of the certification manual is intended to provide certification agencies with information that may be useful in their administration of the certification program. The information and guidance provided does not constitute legal advice or recommendations from the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
This manual should not be used as a substitute for applicable administrative rules or statutes. Legislation and regulations are subject to change and, therefore, it is advisable for readers / certification workers to refer to current rules, legislation and current Operations Memos. Certification workers should consult with their agency’s corporation council as needed.
Readers must be aware that updates and amendments will be made from time to time to the manual. It is the certification worker’s responsibility to determine whether there have been any such updates or amendments.
The Certification Policy Modules (1-10) have been prepared to:
Summarize applicable rules and statutes that pertain to child care certification.
Provide guidance to certification agencies in their administration of the certification program.
Ensure certification agency and operator compliance with statutes and administrative code intended to protect the health and safety of children.
DCF 202 is the administrative code governing Certified Family.
Key statutes pertaining to child care certification are listed below:
48.651 Certification of child care providers
48.686 Criminal history and child abuse record search; child care
49.155 Wisconsin Shares; child care subsidy (includes training requirements for certified providers)
General information regarding certification.
This page last updated 01/2020.