Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
DCF 202.04(5)(b)2 states that the certification period cannot exceed two (2) years and shall be renewed upon application if the operator continues to comply with certification standards.
Effective June 20,
2025 WISCCRS will generate renewal notice letters prior to the operator’s
expiration date.
The renewal batch will run every Friday and will be sent 68-72 days prior to the operator’s expiration date.
These renewal letters will be mailed to the operator and viewable in the Child Care Provider Portal.
The renewal letters will also viewable in Batch Documents in WISCCRS.
Renewal letter text:
Certification Expiration Date: DATE
REQUIREMENT: Certification renewal application materials and all fee(s) due to the department and/or certification agency, if applicable, are due by DATE.
You may complete your certification renewal application online by logging into the Child Care Provider Portal at: mywichildcareproviders.wisconsin.gov
If applicable, upload any updated forms and documents including pet vaccinations, vehicle insurance, and well-water testing.
If you prefer sending your application through the mail, please request a paper copy from your certification agency. Failure to submit your application timely could result in a lapse in Wisconsin Shares and other funding.
The Payment Summary above provides a list of fees due to the department at the time this letter was created. You can pay either through the E-Payment module in the Child Care Provider Portal or by mailing your check or money order for the entire amount due to the DCF Background Check Unit at the address below. All fees must be paid in full, or the certification will not be renewed. Certification renewal fees, if applicable, are paid directly to the certification
agency.
DCF Child Care Background Check Unit
PO BOX 8916
201 W. Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53708-8916
If an operator does not wish to complete the renewal process online they may contact the certification agency to request a paper application. Certification workers may use Web Intelligence (WebI) reports to determine which operators will be expiring in the future and reach out to an operator about the renewal process.
The Apply Now button will appear in the Child Care Provider Portal for the operator to begin the renewal application.
3.11.1 Complete Recertification Application
This page last updated 06/2025.