Child Care Regulation Information for Parents
Selecting a child care center is one of the most important decisions a parent/guardian will make. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) wants to help Wisconsin parents find appropriate child care for their children, learn about immunizations, understand safe sleeping for infants, and much more. When selecting a program, parents/guardians are encouraged to visit the center, observe the activities and child/staff interactions, review the center’s policies, including child guidance, and look for safe and clean environments and materials. After enrollment, parents/guardians should continue to reassess their child care arrangement. Here are some suggestions and resources for parents/guardians as they continue to evaluate their child care program on a regular basis:
Ask/Consider
- What did my child do today?
- How did my child interact with the caregiver?
- Is the outside play area safe and free from hazards?
- Listen carefully to what your child has to say about their day.
Do
- Spend a few minutes each day talking with the caregiver about your child.
- Drop in frequently and participate in activities.
- Observe behavior during drop-off and pick-up.
- Review monitoring results by the regulatory agency.
Resources
- General Child Care Resources
- Parent/Caregiver Equity Advisory Cabinet (PCEAC) (Español)
- Child Care Certification
- Child Care Licensing
- Child Care Subsidy (Wisconsin Shares / MyWIChildCare)
- Choosing Child Care in Wisconsin
- Early Childhood Inclusion
- Wisconsin Immunization Program
- Is Your Child Care Center Secure?
- Lead Poisoning Prevention (Wisconsin DHS)
- Look Before You Lock: Help Keep Kids Out of Hot Cars (US Dept. of Health)
- Safe to Sleep (Public Education Campaign)
- Serious Rule Violations in Licensed Child Care
- Starting a Licensed Child Care Center
- File a Child Care Complaint
Contact Us
Child Care Certification Contacts