Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Licensing Procedure Manual
A stipulation is a legal contractual agreement between BECR and an applicant for licensure, or a licensee of a group or family child care center, or day camp that sets forth specific and unique terms and conditions for granting or continuing licensure. The purpose of a stipulation is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children in care by defining required actions that must be taken by the applicant or licensee in the operation of a facility in accordance with Chapter 48, Wis. Stats., and Wisconsin Administrative Code. A stipulation must be signed by the BECR representative and by the applicant or licensee, signifying the applicant/licensee’s agreement to comply with BECR-imposed licensing conditions.
Under Wis. Stat. § 48.70, each license granted under Chapter 48 must state the name of the licensee and address of the facility, the maximum number of children in care, their age and sex, and additional information and special conditions as BECR may prescribe. A stipulation states the special conditions prescribed by BECR and is, therefore, considered a part of the license. It is posted next to the license in an area visible to parents and the public and the license certificate itself will also state that a stipulation is in place under Conditions.
Unless the stipulation intentionally omits posting requirements, the stipulation must be posted next to the license as soon as it is effective and it must remain posted as long as the stipulation remains in effect. When a licensee requests continuation of a probationary or regular non-expiring license, the need for the stipulation must be re-evaluated by the licensing specialist and licensing manager/licensing supervisor to determine whether the stipulation is still required. If the applicant/licensee can demonstrate a significant change in circumstances since a stipulation was initially executed, s/he may request a re-evaluation of the need for the stipulation during the licensing period.
1.1 Statutory Authority to Execute a Stipulation
1.3 Examples of Licensing Stipulations Settled Through a Stipulation
This page last updated 10/2020.