Financial Support for Families

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Wisconsin Shares Inclusion Rate

Parents of a child with a disability should know that additional financial support may be available to assist with their child's care. Families who are eligible for Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program, and who have a child with a disability under the age of 19, may be eligible to receive a higher subsidy amount in order to help a child care provider support the specific needs of their child. The higher subsidy amount could be used by the provider to purchase adaptive equipment, specialized toys, additional support and/or necessary materials.  

If interested, a parent can request a copy of the Wisconsin Shares Inclusion Rate Request Form (DCF-F-2976) from their local county or tribal agency or it is available to print:

Filling out the form:

  1. The parent will need to complete the General Information section, as well as the Disability Criteria section (this section requires verification of the child's disability or other special needs).
  2. The parent should have the child care provider fill out the Provider Rationale section.
  3. When all sections are complete, the parent submits the form to their Wisconsin Shares Child Care Coordinator or Wisconsin Shares Child Care authorization worker at their local agency.

* All requests are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Important: Most children can be included in a child care setting without the need for a higher subsidy amount. It is for this reason that the department recommends that programs and families first seek out training opportunities, as well as consultation/coaching, in order to learn how best to integrate a child with a disability into the existing child care program. Please contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for information about supports and services, as well as training opportunities, available in your area. Additional training resources can be found on the Inclusion Trainings webpage.

Children's Long Term Support (CLTS) Program 

The Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program helps children with disabilities and their families by assisting with supports and services that help children grow and live their best lives. It uses a home and community-based service waiver to fund services for children with disabilities. A waiver lets states use Medicaid to fund additional non-medical services and supports not normally offered. 

Children who meet eligibility requirements for the CLTS Program work with a support and service coordinator from the local county health and human services agency to find the CLTS services they need. Providers who register for the CLTS Program can offer approved CLTS services for eligible children.

Learn More about CLTS Providers How do I become a CLTS Provider?

If you have questions or concerns about a child's development (physical, social-emotional, or cognitive), these resources could help: