Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
Occasionally, an operator may request to voluntarily withdraw their certification / voluntarily close before the notice of revocation is sent in an attempt to negate the revocation. This is typically due to one or more of the following:
DCF 202.06(5) The county or tribal agency may refuse to accept a new application for 2 years after the date of the denial, revocation, or refusal to renew the certification.
DCF 202.06(1)(e) A certification agency may deny/revoke if the applicant’s license or certificate to care for children or adults has been denied or revoked.
DCF 250, 251 and 252 (licensing rules) state the department may not process an application for a license if the applicant has had a license or certification to operate a child care center revoked or denied within the last 2 years prior to the date of the licensing application. An applicant is deemed ineligible to submit an application for a license and a person may not hire an employee within 2 years from the date an applicant or employee had a child care license or certification revoked or denied.
Certification agencies have discretion whether or not the certification will be revoked or if the operator may be allowed to withdraw her/his certification or voluntarily close in lieu of revocation. If the certification worker recommends withdrawal / voluntarily closure and/or if the operator requests / chooses to voluntarily withdraw / close in lieu of revocation, it is important the individual is made aware of their right to appeal should the certification have been revoked. It is recommended the agency draft a surrender certificate / withdraw application agreement. There is an optional template available on the certification SharePoint site.
Typically, only the most serious violations lead to revocation. Revoking certification ensures the violations that led to the revocation will be known, should the individual reapply for child care certification in another county or for a child care license. In order to avoid untended consequences associated with a revocation, it may be appropriate in some cases, to allow an operator to voluntarily close / withdraw. If an operator is allowed to voluntarily withdraw / close in lieu of a revocation, it is recommended the intention to and basis for a revocation be recorded in case comments in WISCCRS. Take caution in entering such comments as they can be viewed by others in CSAW.
Note: An ‘in-home’ certified operator’s certification should be ended when it is determined the operator is no longer be providing care in the child(ren)’s home. In most cases the operator notifies the certification agency and the certification category is ended as a “voluntarily closure.” Unless circumstances warrant a revocation (with appeal rights) the certification agency is not required to revoke in-home certification when care is no longer being provided in the child’s home. The certification is not transferrable to another location. If/when the provider reapplies for certification at a new address, a new application is required to be submitted.
This page last updated 01/2020.