Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Licensing Procedure Manual
An exception to the administrative rule is a condition of licensure. A licensee may initiate an exception by submitting a request to their licensing specialist. The licensing specialist reviews the request according to regional procedures. If certain criteria are met, the licensing specialist obtains approval from their supervisor and grants the exception. For example, the Bureau of Early Care and Regulation (BECR) may approve an exception permitting a multisite child care agency to store staff records at a central location.
Exceptions are granted to individual rules. The licensee must submit a request for exception in writing on the Exception Request form (DCF-F-CFS297-E) or through a written request that includes the rule number, a description of the current situation, and a description of the alternate scenario that will meet the intent of the rule. An exception to the administrative rule may only be granted by BECR if the licensee can demonstrate to the satisfaction of licensing staff that the exception will not jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of any child served by the center. An exception granted by BECR must be posted next to the license in an area visible to parents and the public, identified on the license certificate, and in the Condition Details section on the Regulated Child Care and YoungStar Public Search website.
At license continuation or relocation, the exception request must be resubmitted by the licensee. The licensing specialist reviews and re-evaluates the exception at continuation or relocation. The exception must be re-entered for the new licensing period, if appropriate.
Note: An exception may not be granted for staff entry-level training qualifications. (See DCF 251- Group Child Care Rule with Commentary.)
This page last updated 10/2020.