Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) Resources for Parents

View the 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.

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.

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 videos, brochures, 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 Information and FAQs for Parents

• Find answers to frequently asked questions about your EBT card.
• Potentially Compromised EBT Card Incident Report
  • If any individual ever requests your MyWIChildCare EBT card and/or PIN information, do not provide it. Contact the Bureau of Program Integrity at DCFMBCHILDCAREFRAUD@wisconsin.gov to report the incident for investigation. 

Brochures and Fact Sheets

• MyWIChildCare Printed Materials
  • Download English and Spanish parent and provider brochures about MyWIChildCare
• Is Your Child Care Legal DCF-P-503     Cuidado Infantil: ¿es legal?
• Your Guide to Choosing Child Care DCF-P-11064     Su Guía Para Elegir un Programa de Cuidado Infantil
• Your Guide to Licensed Child Care DCF-P-2436        Su guía para el cuidado infantil regulado
• Parent Role in the Child Care Eligibility and Authorization Process DCF-P-5468
• Wisconsin Shares Eligibility Guidelines DCF-P-5186   Wisconsin Shares Pautas de Elegibilidad
• Wisconsin Shares Rights and Responsibilities DCF-P-5234  Wisconsin Shares Derechos y responsabilidades

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
  • Read these step-by-step instructions to learn how to schedule your Authorization Appointment using the Parent Portal. To schedule an appointment, you must have an open child care case.

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

• As a parent participating in the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy program, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Learn more about finding a child care provider. Download the Rights and Responsibilities brochure.

• Sign Up to Receive Child Care Emails
• YoungStar - Wisconsin's Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement System
  • YoungStar rates thousands of child care programs all over Wisconsin, so you can find a program that’s right for your family. Find in-depth information on each program we rate, including their hours, location, accreditation, evaluation history, and any regulatory violations they’ve received.
• Disability Support
  • The Disability Support Program (DSP) helps families of children with disabilities by increasing the capacity for inclusive child care. DSP works with child care professionals to enhance skill and knowledge levels through educational instruction.
• Appeals and Fair Hearings
  • If you disagree with an overpayment or an Intentional Program Violation (IPV), you have the right to request a fair hearing.
• DCF Child Care Resources

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.

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 - If you suspect someone is committing child care or any other type of fraud, or otherwise misusing DCF resources -- report it.
• Preventing MyWIChildCare Fraud Brochure