Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
Used for family child care certification and in-home child care certification
Required for initial application, renewal / recertification and relocation.
Only one applicant / operator can apply for and be granted regulatory approval for each family residence.
The certification worker shall review the online application (initial and renewal) submitted by the prospective provider to ensure it is complete. Completion of the application is mandatory to meet the requirements as stated in the DCF 202.04, Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Note: The WISSCRS User Guide – Changes in the Provider / Facility Record outlines scenarios when a new application (online or form) is required, including:
Change in address (see Section 3.12 regarding relocation)
Opening a 2nd location by the same provider
Change from in-home child care to certified family child care (or vice versa)
This page last updated 06/2025.