Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
When a certified operator moves to a new address, the certification worker shall not create a new location in WISCCRS even though a relocation application is required. Before processing an application / granting approval for relocation review the WISCCRS User Guide- Changes for detailed instructions.
If an operator moves from one address to another, the operator must submit a new application form prior to the relocation site visit. It is important the operator submit a relocation application prior to his / her move to a new location in order for the certificate of approval to be backdated to the date of the move. If the operator fails to submit the application prior to the move there will be a gap in the certification. Consequently, subsidy and food program payments cannot be backdated beyond the date the agency received the relocation application.
If the residents in the home have changed, new BCR forms shall also be submitted for the new individuals age 10 and older. The ‘complete application’ shall consist of
Application
BCR forms (if applicable)
Relocation fee (if applicable)
In addition to the application (and BCR forms if applicable) below is a list of forms / information that shall be completed / submitted prior to the relocation approval.
Standards and Checklist
Well Water Test (if applicable)
The home / premises where care is provided must be inspected prior to granting certification. The certification worker must ensure that the home / premise is in compliance with all required DCF 202 standards prior to granting the approval for a relocation certification. As mentioned in Section 2.2.9 of this Module, it is helpful both to the operator and certification worker when the Standards and Checklist has been completed by the operator and submitted to the certification agency prior to the relocation site inspection.
A relocation may be treated like an “initial” application. The relocation application mode must be selected in WISCCRS in order to update the location address. When granting certification for relocation, the certification worker shall grant another two-year certification period from the start-date of the relocation, as long as the provider has already been issued a “Regular” certification. Continuing education requirements remain the same. Because a relocation is treated like an “initial” application, with all of the rules being reviewed and in compliance, it and triggers an unannounced visit within the following 12 months (and in each following calendar year). The unannounced visit does not have to be within the same calendar year (i.e., before December 31) as the relocation. If an agency wants to conduct an unannounced visit during the same calendar year as the relocation, they have discretion to make this policy decision.
Example: An unannounced visit to a certified provider occurred in November of 2023 and then the provider relocates in May of 2023. An unannounced visit would need to be complete prior to May of 2025. An annual visit shall be completed every calendar year thereafter.
Remember: When a certified operator relocates, be sure to update mailing addresses in the Individuals Module accordingly as background check eligibility letters are mailed to the address associated with each individual.
See Section 3.5.1 regarding Initial, Recertification and Relocation Site Visits and Module 7 – Monitoring.
See WISCCRS User Guide – Various Changes in Provider / Facility Records for guidance when the provider moves to a new address close to his / her renewal date.
Note: Conditions on the certification (exceptions and stipulations) shall be reviewed at the time of relocation. Before granting certification, the certification worker shall determine whether or not the condition (stipulation / exception) should be modified/continued.
3.12.1 In-Home Child Care Relocation
This page last updated 03/2024.