Report Child Care Fraud

If you suspect Child Care Fraud, be a part of the solution. You may remain anonymous. Please fill out the Child Care Fraud Form, or email dcfmbchildcarefraud @wisconsin.gov.

Find Your Local YoungStar Office

find your local youngstar office

Report a Child Care Concern or Complaint

If you have a concern about something going on in a child care facility or you suspect child abuse, neglect or exploitation at a child care facility, please use the drop-down menu on the Tell Us How We Are Doing page to fill out the appropriate complaint form.

Participating in YoungStar

Hands raised participate

Looking to participate in Youngstar for the first time? Maybe you're already participating and it's time to renew. No matter where you are in the process, YoungStar is here to help!

One of the first steps you need to take in order to participate in YoungStar is to fill out and submit a YoungStar contract. 

Contracts are valid for two (2) years, with the option to renew. To participate in YoungStar, programs must be in regulatory compliance. To find out more, visit DCF's Child Care Regulation web page.

*Please note that by signing and submitting a YoungStar contract, you are agreeing to provide care for children participating in the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program.

YoungStar Contracts

  • New to YoungStar
  • Renewal or Off Year Services
  • Out of State
  • New Location
Filling out a New YoungStar Contract - Step 1

Would you like someone from YoungStar to visit and rate your program?

  • No = Option A: If you do not wish to have a YoungStar Connect consultant or coach provide assistance or rate your program, you can simply complete and return your contract and your program will automatically be assigned a 2 Star rating.
  • Yes = Option B: If you would like to have YoungStar Connect consultant or coach visit and rate your program, you will complete and return your YoungStar Contract and a YoungStar Connect consultant will contact you Once the contract is received, a YoungStar Technical Consultant (TC) will provide assistance before rating your program. By choosing this option, your program could receive between 2 Stars and 5 Stars. For more information on ratings, please visit the YoungStar Rating Criteria page.
  • Accredited = Option C: If your program is accredited by one of the accrediting agencies that is accepted as equivalent to a YoungStar rating, your program may automatically receive 4 or 5 Stars
    Note: The Department of Children of Families must have a current copy of your accreditation certificate on file.
  • Public Collaborations: see YoungStar Contract for more information on the following program types:
    • Head Start and/or Early Head Start
    • 4-year Old Kindergarten (4K)
Filling out a New YoungStar Contract - Step 2

Enter your program information on the Wisconsin Registry.

In order to earn a rating of 3 Stars or higher in YoungStar, your program must meet certain education qualifications. The education of you and your staff will need to be entered into a Program Profile that will be continuously verified by the Wisconsin Registry. It is extremely important that your Program Profile is current and up to date. The following actions will help you better understand what information needs to be entered into the Wisconsin Registry for the different program types.

  • Actions for Group Child Care

    • Ensure that all Lead Teachers and the Center Director qualifications are current and accurately reflected by The Registry Career Level assigned.

  • Actions for Family Child Care

    • Ensure that the Primary Caregiver qualifications are current and accurately reflected by The Registry Career Level assigned. If the owner is not the Primary Caregiver / Teacher, then the qualifications of the person listed as the Primary Caregiver/Teacher will be evaluated.

  • Actions for School-Age Care

    • Ensure the educational qualifications of the Group Leaders and the Site Supervisor / Coordinator / Administrator / Director are current and accurately reflected by The Registry Career Level assigned.

  • Actions for Administrators/Owners of Group, Family or School-Age Programs

    • Create an Organization Account or update a Program Profile with The Registry. Learn how to do this using the instructions below.

Additional Resources

Filling out a New YoungStar Contract - Step 3

Submit your YoungStar Contract

When ready, return your completed and signed YoungStar contract to your local YoungStar office.

Find the address, phone number, email, and fax number of your local YoungStar office.

Renewal or Off Year Services Contract

Providers that are already participating in YoungStar are required to reapply every two (2) years. A renewal contract is automatically mailed to your program approximately 4 months (or 120 days) before your anniversary month (your anniversary month is the month your first rating was active in YoungStar). In order to continue receiving YoungStar services and be eligible for Wisconsin Shares authorizations, make sure your completed renewal contract is received by your local YoungStar office by the first day of your anniversary month.

Similar to the renewal process, a YoungStar Request for Off-Year Services contract will also be automatically mailed to your program approximately 4 months (or 120 days) before your anniversary month (this application is sent on the years that a Renewal Contract is not required). Programs are not required to be rated or receive YoungStar support services during their off-year, but we are always ready and willing to support you and your program along your path to continued quality improvement. Programs who choose off-year services can receive consultation or a rating without consultation.

If you can't locate your contract or need assistance, please contact your local YoungStar office.

Out of State Contract

Providers in other states (e.g., Iowa, Illinois, Michigan or Minnesota) who care for children with a Wisconsin Shares authorization DO NOT need to fill out a YoungStar contract. Instead, please read through and follow the steps located on the Out-of-State Providers Accepting Wisconsin Shares page.

Opening a New Location

If you are an existing YoungStar program and want to open a new location, it is your responsibility to complete and submit a new YoungStar Contract for that location (find a printable YoungStar contract at the top of this page). Every location needs its own YoungStar contract and will receive its own YoungStar rating. All all YoungStar Contracts must be submitted to your local YoungStar office.