Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Licensing Procedure Manual
The authority to collect a fee for pre-licensing and licensing activities is provided to the Department of Children and Families [delegated to, and hereafter referred to, as the Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR) under s. 48.65(1), 48.65(3)(a) and DCF 250.11(3)(c)1, 251.11(2)(c)1 and 252.05(1)(c)9, Wisconsin Administrative Code. Wisconsin Statute 48.65(3)(a) establishes the licensing fee amounts and the payment due dates.
The chart below shows the biennial licensing fees required for facilities licensed by BECR:
License Fee Table
Facility |
Two-Year Cycle |
Probationary Period |
Family Child Care Centers |
$60.50 |
$15.12 |
Group Child Care Centers |
$30.25 plus $16.94 per child based on licensed capacity |
2-year fee÷4 ($45.68 due at initial application, remainder of probationary fee due at capacity determination) |
Day Camps |
$30.25 plus $16.94 per child based on licensed capacity |
2-year fee÷4 |
The licensing fee must be paid prior to issuance of an initial license. Fees for continuation of a regular license, late fees, and any outstanding forfeitures must be paid prior to the continuation date of the license.
This page last updated 08/2021.