Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
In accordance with DCF 202.04(4)(d) a certification agency may charge a fee for family child care certification not to exceed 150 percent of the licensing fee for a family child care center that provides care and supervision for 4 to 8 children, under s. 48.65 (3) (a), Stats.
The current licensing fee for a family center is $60.50. The maximum amount that a certification agency may charge for family certification is $90.75. The fee may be charged at initial application and / or for the re-certification application.
For additional licensing fees information, refer to Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center.
Certification agencies may develop their own fee structure and policies. Such considerations may include, for example, whether or not the fee is refundable, accepted methods of payment (check, money order, credit card, etc.).
Failure to submit required fees may be considered an incomplete application or may warrant issuance of a noncompliance statement (if applicant is certified), denial or revocation of certification. See Certification Policy Module 9 - Sanctions for more information regarding sanctions.
Local County / Tribal agencies that have a contract with DCF are required to report the amount of child care certification fees collected in SPARC. Agency reimbursement will be reduced by the amount reported for child care certification fees. See SPARC for additional information. Local County / Tribal agencies that have a contract with DCF are required to report the amount of child care certification fees collected in SPARC.
The department may charge a fee for the cost of conducting child care background checks. Certified operators shall pay any background check fees owed to the department before they are granted re-certification. Prior to granting re-certification, certification workers shall refer to the Transaction module in WISCCRS to ensure background check fees owed to the department have been paid. Any fees owed shall be paid to the department before recertification is granted.
This page last updated 09/2021.