Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) Resources for Parents

Read the helpful resources for parents applying for or receiving Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy.

Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program Information

For Parents Applying for Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy in Milwaukee County

Wisconsin Shares Eligibility and Authorization Process

Apply for Wisconsin Shares

  • Before you can receive a Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy authorization, you must be determined eligible for the program.
Image of MyWIChildCare EBT card

Request a Child Care Authorization

  • A child care authorization is the number of hours you are approved for to cover your child care need. The child care need is based on the hours of your approved activity, the child’s schedule, the chosen child care provider operation hours, and the travel time needed in order for you to get to your activity on time. The hours approved are calculated into an approved subsidy dollar amount to cover a portion of your child care cost. You will use these funds to help pay for child care using your MyWIChildCare EBT card

Eligibility and Authorization FAQs

MECA Contacts

  • The staff at the Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) is here to help you with all of your child care questions. You'll find key agency contacts for Wisconsin Shares Authorization and Program Integrity on the MECA Contact page.
Child Care Parent Portal / MyWIChildCare EBT Card Information

MyWIChildCare Resources for Parents

Looking for more information about MyWIChildCare and how to use the Parent Portal? Visit the MyWIChildCare for Parents page for training videosbrochures, tips on using the Parent Portal, and other materials to help you learn to use your MyWIChildCare card.

MyWIChildCare Parent Portal Login

  • The MyWIChildCare Parent Portal is an online system available to parents receiving Wisconsin Shares to help them manage their child care subsidy needs.

Fidelity National Information Service ebtEDGE.com Login

  • From ebtEDGE.com you can create an account, manage your EBT card, change your password, make payments to your child care provider, check your card balance, and more.
  • Lost or Stolen EBT Card
    • FIS parent customer service line +1 (877) 201-7601. Live customer service agents are available between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Standard Time. They can help you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
MyWIChildCare EBT card

MyWIChildCare EBT Card Information and FAQs for Parents

MyWIChildCare EBT Card Training Video for Parents

  • Learn how to use your MyWIChildCare EBT card.

Brochures and Fact Sheets

Request an Authorization / Child Care Finder

Request a Child Care Authorization

  • A child care authorization is the number of hours you are approved for to cover your child care need. The child care need is based on the hours of your approved activity, the child's schedule, the chosen child care provider operation hours, and the travel time needed in order for you to get to your activity on time. The hours approved are calculated into an approved subsidy dollar amount to cover a portion of your child care cost. You will use these funds to help pay for child care using your MyWIChildCare EBT card.
  • How to Schedule an Authorization Appointment

Wisconsin Child Care Finder

  • Use the Child Care Finder to locate high-quality, regulated child care near your home or work location.

Parent Rights and Responsibilities

Child Care Resources
Youngstar Wisconsin's Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement System
53206 Early Care and Education Initiative
African American daycare teacher reading to children

Using resources provided in the most recent budget, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) intends to help people living in the 53206 zip code. Funds will support access to high-quality child care, as well as support the early childhood workforce. Read more about the 53206 Early Education Initiative.

Public Assistance Collection Section (PACS)

The Public Assistance Collection Section (PACS) is responsible for collecting overpayments of public assistance benefits. PACS provides collection services for public assistance programs including: AFDC, Child Care, FoodShare, Job Access Loans, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, Badger Care, Badger Care Plus, Senior Care and W-2.

Report Fraud