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 this certification policy module 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 module 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 to refer to current rules, legislation and current Operations Memos. Certification workers should consult with their corporation council as needed.
Readers must be aware that updates and amendments will be made from time to time to the module. It is the certification worker’s responsibility to determine whether there have been any such updates or amendments.
This module identifies DCF 202 administrative rules that prescribe specific activity, forms and other requirements associated with the application process, as well as discretionary authority of certification agencies. Certification agencies may develop their own procedures that incorporate the mandatory and discretionary DCF 202 rules and / or to provide a framework for the agency’s day to day operation.
DCF 202.01 outlines authority, purpose, applicability, of DCF 202 and exceptions to specific standards. Effective 10/1/19 DCF 202.01(2) prohibits dual regulation.
(2) APPLICABILITY. Subject to sub. (3), this chapter applies to certification agencies, applicants for certification, and certified child care operators who are not licensed to operate a family child care center under ch. DCF 250 and are not required to be licensed as a child care center under s. 48.65, Stats. Certification agencies and certified child care operators shall comply with all applicable laws and the requirements of this chapter.
DCF 202.04 Certification outlines the basis for certification. In order to be certified, a child care operator may not also be licensed under DCF 250 on the premises where the certified child care operator cares, or will care, for children.
Throughout the manual readers will find references to “dual regulation” with a note indicating “obsolete” as these sections are no longer applicable effective 10/1/19.
DCF 202.04 also outlines the administration of certification for in-home and family child care.
1.1 Number of Children in Care - Is this Applicant Eligible for Certification?
1.2 Parent and Provider Resources
This page last updated 01/2020.