Wisconsin Shares Provider Registration Fee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The department will begin paying limited registration fees beginning October 1, 2023. Only parents who have Wisconsin Shares authorizations to the provider are eligible to receive funds to pay provider registration fees. This does not apply to parents who are not receiving Wisconsin Shares. Parents with authorizations will be able to receive funds to pay registration fees for the provider’s price up to $125 twice in a 12-month period.

See the Provider Registration Fee FAQs below for more details.

What is a registration fee?

An amount that a provider might:

Initially charge to enroll or register the child.
Charge on an annual basis to continue the child’s enrollment.

Registration fees are not transportation fees, supply fees, late pick-up fees, etc. that a provider charges separately from a registration fee.

Do I need to charge a registration fee?

There is no requirement for you to charge fees. However, parents are only eligible to receive funds to pay registration fees if you charge a fee. You should determine whether you need to charge registration or other fees based on your business needs. Visit the Child Care Resources and Organizations page for resources on operating a successful child care business.

Can parents receive additional funds for registration fees?

Parents who have Wisconsin Shares authorizations are eligible to receive limited funds for registration fees. The amount is limited to your registration fee up to $125. Fee payments are limited to a maximum of two registration fees in a rolling 12-month period. This is regardless of the number of provider changes. Parents can only receive funds if you charge a fee and only at the time you charge them.

Will I know if the parent already received two registration fee payments in 12-months?

No, information about a parent’s subsidy, including eligibility to receive funds for registration fees, is confidential between the local agency and the parent. If parents need funds for registration fees, they must contact the local agency. The agency will inform the parent if they have reached their registration fee limit. If the parent has reached their registration fee limit, they will need to pay registration fees out of pocket.

Can I require only parents receiving Wisconsin Shares to pay a registration fee?

No, you must have the same prices and fees for parents regardless of how they pay. However, as a private business, you have the choice to offer parents discounts, scholarships, etc. as you see fit based on objective criteria that is specified in the Provider/Parent Written Payment Agreement.

Can all parents receive funds for registration fees?

No, only parents who have Wisconsin Shares authorizations are eligible to receive funds for registration fee payments.

Am I required to report my fees?

Starting in December 2023, there must be a fee amount entered in our system before parents can receive the additional funds. To avoid delays, you can start entering your fees in the Provider Portal prior to December.

How do I report my fees?

You can report your fees to the department using the Child Care Provider Portal. Instructions for how to enter the fees are included in the Provider Portal User Guide. DCF encourages all providers to use the Provider Portal to help manage your business and report your prices and fees.

Starting in December 2023, if you do not use the Provider Portal, you can submit your registration fees in writing to the local agency the same way you submit your prices. The local agency will not be able to enter provider fees prior to December.

What if I change my registration fee amounts?

If an existing registration fee changes, new fees can be entered in the Provider Portal, or submitted in writing to the local agency. The new fee amounts will be used starting the month after the new fees are received by the local agency.

I’m a certified provider. Do I need to report my fees before parents can receive funds to pay my registration fees?

Yes. All providers, regardless of regulation type, are required to report registration fee amounts starting December 1 before funds can be issued to parents.

Do I need to update my Provider/Parent Written Payment Agreements with families?

Yes. All Provider/Parent Written Payment Agreements for new and currently enrolled families must be updated to include all fees that you charge parents by January 1, 2024. Visit our Wisconsin Shares for Child Care Providers page to learn more about Provider/Parent Written Payment Agreements. You can use the department’s template for Provider/Parent Written Payment Agreements or create your own document that includes the items specified in the template.

I have a parent participating in the Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot. Can they request funds to pay registration fees?

No. Funds for registration fees are limited to parents participating in Wisconsin Shares. The Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot> is separate from Wisconsin Shares.

Go Back to the Subsidy Change Page for Child Care Providers