Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
If the family child care provider identifies a minor as a “helper” it can be sometimes difficult to discern if the minor is “in care” or actually a “helper”. In these cases, the certifier may obtain a statement from the parent indicating that the minor/teen is assisting the operator. The certification worker may also request from the operator a job description for the helper so the certification worker can assess whether the minor/teen is a helper or a client. If it appears the teen is “in care” and not a helper, then the minor/teen may be counted in the group size.
If a minor/teen is determined to be a helper, s/he can never be left in charge of the children in care and the operator is still responsible for the sight or sound supervision of children while indoors. When outdoors the operator/provider would have to be in sight and sound and be outdoors with the children in accordance with DCF 202.08(2)(e)7 (the outdoor play area shall have a permanent enclosure not less than 4 feet high to protect the safety of children in care. Fencing, plants, or landscaping may be used to create a permanent enclosure. If the outdoor play area does not have a permanent enclosure, a provider shall be outside with children providing sight and sound supervision when children are outside) and DCF 202.08 (5) (d) (the certified child care operator shall ensure that each child has adult supervision at all times and that no person under age 18 years of age is left in sole charge of the children) and DCF 202.02(20r) definition of “Supervision" (guidance of the behavior and activities of children for their health, safety, and well-being by a provider who is within sight or sound of the children, except as specified in s. DCF 202.08(2)(e)6. and 7).
Considerations for determining whether or not the minor is “in care” vs. a “helper”:
The operator is certified for ages under the age of the helper
Documentation of the hours that the helper works
Written plan outlining
the duties of the helper
that the operator is not being compensated for child care or providing care to/supervision of the helper
the helper isn’t left alone with children
helper doesn’t discipline children
helper doesn’t change diapers
statement from the helper’s parent agreeing to the above
provider’s notification to parents of children in care that a minor helper will be assisting in the child care
See the Background Check Procedure Manual for more information regarding background checks for minor employees.
This page last updated 01/2020.