reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 201 - Child Care Subsidy Program › Section DCF 201.05 - Child care administrative agency responsibilities

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) GENERAL. Each
				child care administrative agency shall administer child care funds in
				accordance with the requirements set forth in this section. A child care
				administrative agency may subcontract for administration of child care funds
				with the approval of the department.
(2) TRAINING REQUIREMENT. Child care
				administrative agencies shall ensure that each new child care worker completes
				the department's initial training during the first 6 months of
				employment.
(3) RATE-SETTING
				METHOD. Each child care administrative agency shall submit a written statement
				to the department which describes the method by which the child care
				administrative agency has determined reasonable and customary child care prices
				and the maximum rate that the child care administrative agency will allow for
				the purchase of child care services. The department may prescribe standard
				units of service by which rates are set in order to achieve statewide
				consistency.
(4) INFORMATION TO
				PROVIDERS.
(a) Child care administrative
				agencies shall distribute information to child care providers regarding child
				care funding policies.
(b) Child
				care administrative agencies shall require child care providers to sign a
				memorandum of understanding prior to receiving authorization or payment that
				specifies that the provider agrees to adhere to child care subsidy attendance
				reporting policies and cooperate with the agency in all program monitoring
				efforts.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 201 - Child Care Subsidy Program › Section DCF 201.06 - Establishing maximum rates

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) RATE GROUPING.
(a)
County.
The department
				shall set maximum rates for child care services in each county within the
				state. A tribal area shall be included in the county in which it is
				geographically located.
(b)
Age groups.
Within each county, the department shall set
				maximum rates for the following age groups:
1.
				Infants and toddlers under 2 years of age.
2. Children 2 years of age and over, but
				under age 4.
3. Children 4 years of
				age and over, but under age 6.
4.
				Children ages 6 to 13 years.
(c)
Types of providers.
Within each county and within each age group, the department shall set maximum
				rates for child care services by each of the following types of providers:
1. Group child care centers licensed under s.
				48.65, Stats., and ch. DCF 251
				and day camps licensed under s.
				48.65, Stats., and ch. DCF
				252.
2. Family child care centers
				licensed under s. 48.65, Stats., and ch. DCF
				250.
3. Level I regular certified
				child care providers under s.
				48.651 (1) (a),
				Stats., and ch. DCF 202.
4. Level
				II provisional certified child care providers under s.
				48.651 (1) (b),
				Stats., and ch. DCF 202.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 201 - Child Care Subsidy Program › Section DCF 201.065 - Parent appeal rights

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) RIGHT TO APPEAL.
(a)
General.
A parent
				applying for or receiving payments under the child care subsidy program may
				appeal any of the following actions by the department or a child care
				administrative agency:
1. Denial of an
				application in whole or in part.
2.
				Failure to act on an application within 30 days.
3. Reduction, suspension, or termination of
				child care subsidy payments.
4. The
				determination of the amount and initial eligibility date of receipt of child
				care subsidy payments.
5. Denial of
				a request for a hardship authorization under s.
				DCF 201.039 (13)
				or (14).
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 201 - Child Care Subsidy Program › Section DCF 201.07 - Provider appeal rights

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) A child care provider who contests any of
				the following actions may request a departmental review:
(a) Refusal to issue new child care
				authorizations.
(b) Revocation of
				existing child care authorizations.
(c) Refusal to issue payment to the
				provider.
(d) Determination of the
				provider's payment amount.
(e)
				Collection of an overpayment, including the determination of the amount of the
				overpayment, the determination of the amount of the overpayment still owed,
				warrant and execution under s.
				DCF 201.04 (5)
				(eh), levy under s.
				DCF 201.04 (5)
				(ep), or a decision under s.
				49.85, Stats., to recover the
				overpayment by means of certification to the Wisconsin department of revenue.
				The provider may make only one request for appeal of the basis for the
				overpayment claim. Any subsequent appeals shall be limited to questions of
				prior payment of the debt that the department or agency is proceeding against
				or mistaken identity of the debtor.
(f) Issuance of a forfeiture.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 201 - Child Care Subsidy Program › Section DCF 201.08 - Parent copayments

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) SCHEDULE.
(a) The department shall set a schedule for
				parent copayment responsibilities for all parents who receive a child care
				subsidy, except as provided under sub. (2). Copayment amounts will be based on
				the size of the assistance group, the assistance group's gross income, the
				number of children in the assistance group in child care, and the number of
				hours authorized for a child care subsidy. The copayment schedule is provided
				in Table DCF 201.08.
(b) A parent's
				share of payment may be more than the copayment amount determined using the
				copayment schedule in Table DCF 201.08. If a provider's price is higher than
				the department's maximum rate, the parent's share of payment will be the
				difference between the provider's price and the subsidy payment, plus any
				additional fees the provider charges.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 201 - Child Care Subsidy Program › Section DCF 201.08 - Parent copayments

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) SCHEDULE.
(a) The department shall set a schedule for
				parent copayment responsibilities for all parents who receive a child care
				subsidy, except as provided under sub. (2). Copayment amounts will be based on
				the size of the assistance group, the assistance group's gross income, the
				number of children in the assistance group in child care, and the number of
				hours authorized for a child care subsidy. The copayment schedule is provided
				in Table
				DCF
				201.08.
Note:
Par. (a) is amended eff. 11-1-2024 by CR
				  23-016 to read:
(a) The
				department shall set a schedule for parent copayment responsibilities for all
				parents who receive a child care subsidy, except as provided under sub. (2).
				Copayment amounts will be based on the size of the assistance group and the
				assistance group's gross income. The copayment schedule is provided in Table
				DCF
				201.08.
(b) A parent's share of payment may be more
				than the copayment amount determined using the copayment schedule in Table
				DCF
				201.08. If a provider's price is higher than the
				department's maximum rate, the parent's share of payment will be the difference
				between the provider's price and the subsidy payment, plus any additional fees
				the provider charges.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 202 - Child Care Certification › Section DCF 202.01 - Authority, purpose, applicability, and exceptions

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) AUTHORITY AND
				PURPOSE. This chapter is promulgated under the authority of s.
				48.651(1d),
				Stats., to establish standards for the certification of persons who provide
				child care for 1 to 3 children. The standards are intended to protect and
				promote the health, safety, and welfare of children in the care of these
				providers.
(2) APPLICABILITY.
				Subject to sub. (3), this chapter applies to certification agencies, applicants
				for certification, and certified child care operators who are not licensed to
				operate a family child care center under ch. DCF 250 and are not required to be
				licensed as a child care center under s.
				48.65,
				Stats. Certification agencies and certified child care operators shall comply
				with all applicable laws and the requirements of this chapter.
(3) EXCEPTIONS.
(a) A certified child care operator may
				submit to the certification agency a written request for an exception to a
				requirement of this chapter with a justification for the requested action and
				an alternative to meet the intent of the requirement.
(b) A certification agency may grant a
				request for an exception submitted under par. (a) if a certified child care
				operator demonstrates to the satisfaction of the certification agency that
				granting the exception will not jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of
				any child in care. A certification agency may not grant an exception to a
				statutory requirement.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 202 - Child Care Certification › Section DCF 202.04 - Certification

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) B ASIS FOR CERTIFICATION . In order to be
				certified, a child care operator shall meet all of the following conditions:
(a) The operator is exempt from the licensure
				requirement under s.
				48.65,
				Stats.
(b) There is no child care
				center licensed under ch. DCF 250 on the premises where the certified child
				care operator cares, or will care, for children.
(c) The operator complies with the standards
				in this chapter.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 202 - Child Care Certification › Section DCF 202.06 - Enforcement actions and conditions

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) A certification
				agency may deny, suspend, revoke, refuse to renew certification, issue a
				warning of enforcement, initiate other enforcement actions specified in this
				chapter, or place conditions on the certification if any of the following
				apply:
(a) The child care operator is not in
				compliance with this chapter, ch. DCF 13, s.
				48.686,
				Stats., or conditions on the certification.
(b) The certification agency determines there
				is danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the children in care.
(c) The court, department, certification
				agency, or local agency that administers the child care subsidy program
				determines that a certified child care operator has done any of the following:
1. Misrepresented or withheld
				information.
2. Submitted false or
				misleading information.
3. Failed
				to comply with the terms of the child care subsidy program.
(d) The child care operator fails
				to cooperate with the department or certification agency.
(e) The applicant's license or certificate to
				care for children or adults has been denied or revoked.
(f) The child care operator or other provider
				denies the child care certification worker access to the premises or children's
				records to monitor compliance with the certification standards.
(g) The evaluation under s.
				DCF 202.04(3) (c)
				3. gives the certification agency reasonable
				concern that the person's physical or mental health may endanger children in
				care.
(h) The certification agency
				has determined the applicant or operator is not fit and qualified.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 202 - Child Care Certification › Section DCF 202.07 - Complaints

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) Except as provided in sub. (2), a
				certification agency shall investigate a complaint about a certified child care
				operator within 10 working days after receiving the complaint.
(2) No later than the next day after a
				certification agency receives a complaint or self-report that suggests imminent
				danger may exist to the health, safety, and welfare of children in care, the
				certification agency shall respond to a complaint or self-reported
				incident.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 202 - Child Care Certification › Section DCF 202.08 - Standards for family child care and in-home child care

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) QUALIFICATIONS
				OF PROVIDERS.
(a)
Ability, age and
				health.
1. A provider shall be
				physically, mentally, and emotionally able to provide responsible child care
				and shall be at least 18 years of age.
2. Each child care operator shall demonstrate
				that the operator is free from tuberculosis prior to initial certification.
				Each provider shall demonstrate that he or she is free from tuberculosis prior
				to the date the provider begins working with children in care. The
				certification agency may accept the results of a test administered up to 12
				months before the certification date or the date the person began to work with
				children in care.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 204 - Grants Supporting Community Child Care Initiatives › Section DCF 204.01 - Authority and purpose

Current through June 24, 2024
This chapter is promulgated under the authority of s.
				  49.137(4m),
				  Stats., to administer a program that awards grants to local governments and
				  tribes to improve the supply, accessibility, and quality of child
				  care.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 204 - Grants Supporting Community Child Care Initiatives › Section DCF 204.02 - Definitions

Current through June 24, 2024
In this chapter:
(1) "Application" means a request for funding
				under this chapter made in response to an RFP.
(2) "Child care" means licensed care under s.
				48.65,
				Stats., certified care under s.
				48.651,
				Stats., care provided under s.
				49.155(3m),
				Stats., or care provided under s.
				120.13(14),
				Stats.
(3) "Department" means the
				department of children and families.
(4) "Federal fiscal year" means October 1 of
				one year to September 30 of the following year.
(5) "Federal medical assistance percentage"
				has the meaning given in
				42
				USC 1396d(b).
Note:
The federal medical assistance percentage
				  for each state in a given federal fiscal year is determined by the federal
				  Department of Health and Human Services and published in the
Federal
				  Register
.
(6)
				"Local government" means a public sub-state jurisdiction that is located in
				Wisconsin and has governing and taxing authority, including counties,
				municipalities, public school districts, and technical college
				districts.
(7) "Locally-generated
				revenues" includes local taxes and does not include state or federal aids or
				shared revenue.
(8) "Low-income"
				means a household income at or below the maximum level established in the
				Wisconsin state plan for temporary assistance to needy families under
				42 USC
				602.
(9) "RFP" or "request for proposals" means a
				paper or electronically published and distributed document announcing the
				availability of funds, the requirements for obtaining and using the funds, and
				necessary procedures to be considered for funding under this chapter.
(10) "Tribe" means any federally-recognized
				American Indian nation that is located in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 204 - Grants Supporting Community Child Care Initiatives › Section DCF 204.03 - Department powers and duties

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) The department
				may grant federal funds available under
				42 USC 618
				to local governments and tribes that comply with
				42 USC
				618, 42 USC 9858- 9858 q, 45 CFR Parts 98 and
				99; this chapter; and the RFP.
(2)
				The department shall publish a request for proposals for community child care
				initiatives.
(3) The department
				shall reject, or modify to bring into compliance, applications in which all or
				part of the local government or tribe's match expenditure or commitment fails
				to meet the requirements of
				42 USC
				618, 42 USC 9858- 9858 q, 45 CFR Parts 98 and
				99; this chapter; and the RFP.
(4)
				The department shall reject, or modify to bring into compliance, applications
				in which all or part of the local government or tribe's plan on use of the
				grant funds fails to meet the requirements of
				42 USC
				618, 42 USC 9858- 9858 q, 45 CFR Parts 98 and
				99; this chapter; and the RFP.
(5)
				The department shall establish and periodically update a formula that allocates
				a percentage of available funds for residents of each county of the state based
				equally on the county's:
(a) Percentage of
				the state's low-income children as estimated by the United States census
				bureau.
(b) Percentage of the
				state's births for the most recent 3-year period for which resident birth data
				by county is published by the department of health services.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 204 - Grants Supporting Community Child Care Initiatives › Section DCF 204.04 - Applicants

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) INITIAL GRANTS. Any local government or
				tribe that is located in Wisconsin may submit an application for an initial
				grant under s.
				DCF
				204.07.
(2) CONTINUING GRANTS. Any recipient of an
				initial grant may apply for a continuing grant under s.
				DCF 204.07 if a
				continuing grant RFP is offered.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 204 - Grants Supporting Community Child Care Initiatives › Section DCF 204.05 - Match requirement

Current through June 24, 2024
A local government or tribe that applies for funds under this
				  chapter shall certify that matching expenditures represent expenditures
				  eligible for federal match as required under
				  42 USC
				  9858-
				  9858
				  q, 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99, this chapter, and the RFP. The department shall
				  determine the minimum match expenditure to be either the federal medical
				  assistance percentage for Wisconsin for the federal fiscal year in which the
				  match expenditure occurs or a higher percentage rate needed to meet the state's
				  match requirements under
				  45 CFR
				  98.53 and 45 CFR 98.63 as affected by ss.
				  20.437(2)
				  (cm) and (md) and
				  49.175(1)
				  (qm), Stats. The department may round this
				  percentage of required match to the nearest higher percentage that will allow
				  the match amount to be expressed in whole dollars. A match expenditure shall
				  comply with the following criteria:
(1) A match expenditure shall be from
				locally-generated revenues or federal revenues specifically authorized by
				federal law to be used as match to federal funds.
Note:
				  42 USC
				  5305(a)(9) provides that
				  funds from the federal Community Development Block Grant under
				  42 USC
				  5301 to
				  5321
				  may be used as match.
(2) A
				match expenditure under this chapter may not be used as match to any other
				state or federal funds, except that the local share of public school costs
				specified under the state's school aid formula shall not be considered as match
				to other state funds.
(3) A match
				expenditure shall be made during the required matching period provided in
				45 CFR
				98.60(d)(3) and identified
				in the RFP.
(4) A match expenditure
				shall be made for qualifying child care services and programs, including
				programs with the following purposes:
(a)
				Providing low-income working families with financial resources to find and
				access quality child care for their children.
(b) Enhancing the quality and increasing the
				supply of child care for all families, including those who receive no direct
				assistance under s.
				49.155,
				Stats.
(c) Providing parents with a
				broad range of options in addressing their child care needs.
(d) Improving the quality of and coordination
				among child care programs and early childhood development programs.
(e) Increasing the availability of early
				childhood development care services and before- and after-school care
				services.
(f) Educating consumers
				about child care.
(g) Improving the
				health and safety aspects of child care, including regulation of child
				care.
(h) Providing crisis respite
				child care to children in protective services cases or in need of protective
				services.
(i) Other items permitted
				under
				42 USC
				9858-
				9858
				q.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 204 - Grants Supporting Community Child Care Initiatives › Section DCF 204.06 - Use of grant funds

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) ALLOWABLE USES. A local government or
				tribe may use grant funds received under this chapter in any of the following
				ways:
(a) Enhancing the quality and
				increasing the supply of child care for all families, including those who
				receive no direct assistance under s.
				49.155,
				Stats.
(b) Providing parents with a
				broad range of options in addressing their child care needs.
(c) Improving the quality of and coordination
				among child care programs and early childhood development programs.
(d) Increasing the availability of early
				childhood development care services and before- and after-school care
				services.
(e) Educating consumers
				about child care.
(f) Improving the
				health and safety aspects of child care, including regulation of child
				care.
(g) Providing crisis respite
				child care to children in protective services cases or in need of protective
				services.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 204 - Grants Supporting Community Child Care Initiatives › Section DCF 204.07 - Amount of grants

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) INITIAL GRANT. If initial grants are
				awarded, the amount of an initial grant shall be based on the following:
(a) The amount requested by the
				applicant.
(b) The amount of match
				identified by the applicant.
(c)
				The amount of funding allocated to the county or counties proposed for service
				by the applicant.
(d) The amount of
				funding requested by all applicants proposing to serve residents of the county
				or counties involved.
(e) The
				amount of funding available due to reallocation from other counties.
(f) No initial grant may be awarded if the
				amount of the grant would be less than $500.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.01 - Authority and purpose

Current through June 24, 2024
This chapter is promulgated under the authority of s.
				  48.67,
				  Stats., to carry out licensing requirements under s.
				  48.65,
				  Stats., for family child care centers. The purpose of the chapter is to protect
				  the health, safety and welfare of children being cared for in family child care
				  centers.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.02 - Applicability

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED CARE ARRANGEMENTS.
				This chapter applies to all family child care centers, but does not include any
				of the following:
Note:
Section
				  48.65(2),
				  Stats., exempts parents, guardians and certain other relatives; public and
				  parochial (private) schools; persons employed to come to the home of the
				  child's parent to provide care for less than 24 hours per day; and counties,
				  cities, villages, towns, school districts, and libraries that provide programs
				  for children primarily intended for social or recreational purposes from the
				  requirement for a license.
(a) Care
				and supervision of children in a program that operates no more than 4 hours a
				week.
(b) Group lessons to develop
				a talent or skill, such as dance or music, social group meetings and activities
				and group athletic activities.
(c)
				Care and supervision while the parents are on the premises and are engaged in
				shopping, recreation or other non-work activities.
(d) Seasonal programs of 10 days or less
				duration in any 3-month period, including day camps, vacation bible school and
				holiday child care programs.
(e)
				Care and supervision in emergency situations.
(f) Care and supervision while the parent is
				employed on the premises if the parent's child receives care and supervision
				for no more than 3 hours a day.
(g)
				Care and supervision provided at the site to the child of a recipient of
				temporary assistance to needy families, or Wisconsin works, who is involved in
				orientation, enrollment or initial assessment prior to the development of an
				employability plan or the child care is provided where parents are provided
				training or counseling.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.04 - Operational requirements

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) TERMS OF
				LICENSE.
(a) The number of children in the
				care of a family child care center at any time may not exceed the number for
				which the center is licensed.
Note:
Denying admission on the basis of race,
				  disability, religion, or certain other characteristics may be illegal under the
				  state public accommodations law, federal law related to the use of federal
				  funding, and some local anti-discrimination ordinances.
(b) The age of children served by a center
				may not be younger or older than the age range specified in the license
				issued.
(c) The hours, days and
				months of a center's operation may not exceed those specified in the
				license.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.055 - Supervision and grouping of children

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) SUPERVISION.
(a) Each child shall be supervised by a
				provider to guide the child's behavior and activities, prevent harm, and ensure
				safety.
(b) A provider shall be
				awake at all times when children are in care.
(c) No individual provider may care for
				children for more than 16 hours in any 24-hour period.
(d) No child may be in care for more than 14
				hours in any 24-hour period.
(e) At
				least one provider who has completed the training required under s. DCF 250.05
				(3) (b) shall supervise children at all times, except when a substitute is
				providing care. A substitute shall meet the requirements under s. DCF 250.05
				(3) (c) and (4) (a).
(f) No person
				under 18 years of age may be left in sole charge of the children.
(g) The center shall have a written plan
				reviewed by the department for ensuring supervision of the children in an
				emergency or during a provider's absence.
(h) A provider may not be engaged in any
				other activity or occupation during the hours of operation of the center when
				children are in care, except for daily maintenance of the home.
(i) The licensee may not combine the care of
				children enrolled in the child care center with foster care of other
				non-related children or adults without the prior written approval of both
				licensing agencies.
(j) During the
				hours of the center's operation, no provider or any other person in contact
				with children in care may consume or be under the influence of beverages
				containing alcohol or any non-prescribed controlled substance specified in ch.
				961, Stats.
(k) A child may not be
				released to any person who has not been previously authorized by the parent to
				receive the child.
(l) The licensee
				shall implement and adhere to a procedure to ensure that the number, names, and
				whereabouts of children in care are known to the provider at all
				times.
(m) A provider shall be
				outside with children and provide sight and sound supervision of the children,
				unless the children are playing inside the enclosed outdoor area on the
				premises specified under s. DCF 250.06 (11) (b).
(n) A provider shall be outside with children
				providing sight and sound supervision of the children when a wading pool
				containing water is present in the outdoor play space specified in s. DCF
				250.06 (11) (b).
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.06 - Physical plant and equipment

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) BUILDING.
(a)
Conformance with building
				codes.
Family child care centers located in a building that is not a
				one or 2-family dwelling shall conform to the applicable Wisconsin commercial
				building codes. A copy of a building inspection report evidencing compliance
				with the applicable building codes shall be submitted to the department prior
				to the department's issuance of a license.
Note:
The building inspection report should be
				  sent to the appropriate regional office listed in Appendix A.
(b)
Space and temperature.
1. A center shall have at least 35 square
				feet of usable floor space per child. Usable floor space for children does not
				include passageways, bathrooms, lockers, storage areas, the furnace room, the
				part of the kitchen occupied by stationary equipment, and space occupied by
				furniture that is not intended for children's use.
2. The inside temperature of the center may
				not be less than 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. If the inside temperature at the center
				exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the licensee shall provide for air circulation
				with safe fans, air conditioning, or other means.
4. There shall be at least one toilet with
				plumbing and one sink with hot and cold running water available for use by
				children in care in the center. The hot water temperature may not exceed 120
				degrees Fahrenheit.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.07 - Program

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) PROGRAM PLANNING AND SCHEDULING.
(a) A provider shall plan activities so that
				each child may be or do all of the following:
1. Be successful and feel good about himself
				or herself.
2. Use and develop
				language.
3. Use large and small
				muscles.
4. Use materials and take
				part in activities that encourage creativity.
5. Learn new ideas and skills.
6. Participate in imaginative play.
7. Be exposed to a variety of
				cultures.
8. Develop literacy
				skills.
Note:
The Wisconsin Model Early Learning
				  Standards are voluntary standards that were designed to help centers develop
				  programs and curriculum to help ensure that children are exposed to activities
				  and opportunities that will prepare them for success in school and into the
				  future. The Standards are primarily intended as guidance on developmentally
				  appropriate expectations and are not intended to be used as a checklist to
				  gauge a child's progress. The Standards are based on scientific research.
				  Copies of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards are available on the
				  Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners website at
http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/
or through the Child Care Information Center at 1-800-362-7353. Wisconsin has
				  an information and referral service for persons with questions or concerns
				  about a child's development called First Step that is available to the public
				  24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a call is placed to First Step at
				  1-800-642-7837, the caller will learn about early intervention services as well
				  as other related services in the area. When a provider or a parent has concerns
				  about a child's growth or development a referral to a Birth-to-Three agency or
				  the local public school should be considered to determine if the child is
				  eligible for special services. With parental consent and consultation, it is
				  recommended that centers who care for children who have an Individualized
				  Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
				  coordinate programming activities with the local school district or Birth to
				  Three agency.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.08 - Transportation

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) APPLICABILITY.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), this
				section applies to all transportation of children in care, including both
				regularly scheduled transportation to and from the center and field trip
				transportation, if any of the following apply:
1. The licensee owns or leases the vehicle
				used.
2. The licensee contracts
				with another person or organization that owns or leases the vehicle
				used.
3. Employees, parents, or
				volunteers are transporting children other than their own at the direction of,
				at the request of, or on behalf of the licensee.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.09 - Additional requirements for infant and toddler care

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) APPLICABILITY,
				QUALIFICATIONS AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
(a)
				Family child care centers providing care and supervision to infants and
				toddlers shall comply with the additional requirements of this
				section.
(c)
General
				requirements.
1. A provider shall
				use information obtained on a department-provided form for children under 2
				years of age to individualize the program of care for each child. The
				information shall be at the center before the child is left for care on the
				child's first day of attendance. A provider and the child's parents shall
				periodically discuss the child's development and routines.
Note:
The department's form, DCF-F-CFS0061-E,
Intake for Child Under 2 Years - Child Care Centers
, is used
				  to record information for individualizing the program of care for each child.
				  Information on how to obtain the form is available on the department's website,
http://dcf.wisconsin.gov
, or from
				  any regional licensing office in Appendix A. Wisconsin has an information and
				  referral service for persons with questions or concerns about a child's
				  development called Well Badger Resource Center that is available to the public
				  24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a call is placed to Well Badger Resource
				  Center at 1-800-642-7837, the caller will learn about early intervention
				  services as well as other related services in the area. When a provider or
				  parent has concerns about a child's growth or development a referral to a
				  Birth-to-Three agency should be considered to determine if the child is
				  eligible for special services. With parental consent and consultation, it is
				  recommended that centers who care for children who have an Individualized
				  Family Service Plan (IFSP) coordinate programming activities with the local
				  Birth-to-Three agency.
2.
				Cribs and playpens shall contain a tight-fitting mattress and a mattress
				covering that fits snugly over the mattress.
3. Sheets or blankets used to cover a child
				one year of age or older shall be kept away from the child's mouth and nose,
				and if sleeping in a crib or playpen shall be tucked tightly under the
				mattress.
4. A child under one year
				of age may not sleep in a crib or playpen that contains soft or loose
				materials, such as sheepskins, pillows, blankets, flat sheets, bumper pads,
				bibs, pacifiers with attached soft objects, or stuffed animals. No blankets or
				other items may be hung on the sides of a crib or playpen.
4g. An audio monitoring device shall be used
				in any area or room where children under the age of one year are placed to
				sleep.
4r. Waterbeds may not be
				used by children under 2 years of age.
5. Safety gates shall be used at open
				stairways when children are awake.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.095 - Additional requirements when the licensee is not providing care to children at least 50% of the center's licensed hours

Current through June 24, 2024
A licensee who does not provide care and supervision to
				  children at least 50% of the center's licensed hours shall comply with the
				  following requirements:
(1) The
				licensee shall complete at least one course from the Registry Administrator
				Credential within one year from the initial date that the licensee is not
				providing care and supervision for at least 50 percent of the center's licensed
				hours.
(2) The licensee shall be
				responsible for the following:
(a) Management,
				finance, physical plant, and day-to-day operations of the center.
(b) Supervision of the planning and
				implementation of the center's program for children.
(c) Supervision of center staff, including
				the following duties:
1. Implement and
				maintain a written job description for each staff position.
2. Implement and maintain a written personnel
				policy that addresses hours of work, lunch and break times, holidays,
				vacations, sick leaves, leaves of absence, probationary periods, performance
				evaluations, grievance procedures, and the disciplinary process. The personnel
				policy shall contain a procedure that requires staff to notify the licensee and
				the licensee to notify the department as soon as possible, but no later than
				the next business day, when any of the following occurs:
a. The employee has been convicted of a
				crime.
b. The employee has been or
				is being investigated by any governmental agency for any other act, offense, or
				omission, including an investigation related to the abuse or neglect or threat
				of abuse or neglect, to a child or other client, or an investigation related to
				misappropriation of a client's property.
c. The employee has a substantiated
				governmental finding against them for abuse or neglect of a child or adult or
				for misappropriation of a client's property.
d. A professional license held by the
				employee has been denied, revoked, restricted, or otherwise limited.
3. Ensure that each employee is
				familiar with the employee's job description, personnel policies, and
				applicable licensing rules.
4.
				Conduct staff meetings at least 9 times in a calendar year and document that
				the meetings have been held.
5.
				Ensure staff compliance with continuing education requirements.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.10 - Additional requirements for night care

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) APPLICABILITY.
				Family child care centers that operate during any period of time between 10:00
				p.m. and 5:00 a.m. shall comply with the requirements of this
				section.
(2) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
(a) When the same premises are used for the
				operation of both day care and night care, the number of children during any
				overlapping of the day care and night care periods may not exceed the maximum
				licensed capacity of the center.
(b) Minimum staff-to-child ratios and group
				sizes under Table DCF 250.055 shall be maintained during night care.
(c) The parent or center shall provide each
				child in care after 10:00 p.m. with an individually labeled sleeping garment
				and a toothbrush.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 250 - Family Child Care Centers › Section DCF 250.12 - Complaints, inspections and enforcement actions

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) COMPLAINTS.
(a) Anyone having a complaint about a
				licensed or illegally operating family child care center may submit that
				complaint to the department by telephone, letter or personal interview. A
				representative of the department shall investigate every complaint. If
				requested by the complainant, the department shall provide the complainant a
				written report of the investigation findings.
Note:
A complaint should be sent, phoned or
				  delivered to the appropriate Division of Early Care and Education regional
				  office listed in Appendix A.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 251 - Group Child Care Centers And Child Care Programs Established Or Contracted For By School Boards › Section DCF 251.01 - Authority and purpose

Current through June 24, 2024
This chapter is promulgated under the authority of s.
				  48.67,
				  Stats., to establish licensing requirements under s.
				  48.65,
				  Stats., for group child care centers for children. The purpose of this chapter
				  is to protect the health, safety and welfare of children being cared for in
				  group child care centers.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 251 - Group Child Care Centers And Child Care Programs Established Or Contracted For By School Boards › Section DCF 251.02 - Applicability

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED CARE ARRANGEMENTS.
				This chapter applies to all group child care centers, whether the facility in
				which the child care and supervision are provided is known as a day care
				center, nursery school or preschool, head start or school-age child care
				program, or by any other designation, but it does not apply to the following:
(a) Care and supervision of children in a
				program, including religious education classes, which operates no more than 4
				hours a week.
(b) Group lessons to
				develop a talent or skill, such as dance or music lessons, social group
				meetings and activities and group athletic activities.
(c) Care and supervision while the child's
				parent is on the premises and is engaged in shopping, recreation or other
				non-work activities.
(d) Care and
				supervision provided at the site to the child of a recipient of temporary
				assistance to needy families or Wisconsin works who is involved in orientation,
				enrollment or initial assessment prior to the development of an employability
				plan or the child care is provided where parents are provided training or
				counseling.
(e) Seasonal programs
				of 10 days or less duration in any 3-month period, including day camps,
				vacation bible schools and holiday child care programs.
(f) Care and supervision in emergency
				situations.
(g) Care and
				supervision while the child's parent is employed on the premises if the child
				receives care and supervision for no more than 3 hours a day.
Note:
Section
				  48.65,
				  Stats., exempts parents, guardians and certain other relatives; public and
				  parochial (private) schools; persons who come to the home of the child's parent
				  to provide care for less than 24 hours per day; and counties, cities, villages,
				  towns, school districts, and libraries that provide programs for children
				  primarily intended for social or recreational purposes from the requirement of
				  a license.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 251 - Group Child Care Centers And Child Care Programs Established Or Contracted For By School Boards › Section DCF 251.04 - Operational requirements

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) TERMS OF A
				LICENSE.
(a) The number of children in care at
				any one time may not exceed the licensed capacity of the center.
(b) The age of children served by a center
				may not be younger or older than the age range specified in the
				license.
(c) The hours, days and
				months of a center's operation may not exceed those specified in the
				license.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 251 - Group Child Care Centers And Child Care Programs Established Or Contracted For By School Boards › Section DCF 251.055 - Supervision and grouping of children

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) Supervision.
(a) Each child shall be supervised by a child
				care worker who is within the sight and sound of the children to guide the
				children's behavior and activities, prevent harm, and ensure safety.
(b) At least one child care teacher shall
				supervise each group of children.
(c) Assistant child care teachers who are at
				least 18 years of age and have completed the training required for the position
				may provide sole supervision to a group of children in full-day centers for
				opening and closing hours, not to exceed the first 2 hours and the last 2 hours
				of center operation, and during the center's designated naptime, not to exceed
				2 hours.
(d) A child care worker
				may not provide care for children at the center for more than 12 hours in any
				24-hour period.
(e) A child may not
				be in care for more than 14 hours in any 24-hour period.
(f) The center shall implement and adhere to
				a procedure to ensure that the number, names, and whereabouts of children in
				care are known to assigned child care workers at all times.
(g) A child may not be released to any person
				who has not been previously authorized by the parent.
(h) The center shall implement a procedure to
				contact a parent if a child is absent from the center without prior
				notification from the parent.
(i)
				No person under 18 years of age shall be left in sole charge of a
				child.
(j) No licensee, employee,
				volunteer, or other individual in contact with children may consume alcoholic
				beverages or any non-prescribed controlled substance specified in ch. 961,
				Stats., on the premises of the center or be under the influence of any alcohol
				or non-prescribed controlled substance, during the hours of the center's
				operation.
Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 201-252 - Early Care and Education › Chapter DCF 251 - Group Child Care Centers And Child Care Programs Established Or Contracted For By School Boards › Section DCF 251.06 - Physical plant and equipment

Current through June 24, 2024
(1)
				BUILDING.
(a) The building in which a center
				is located shall comply with applicable state and local building codes. The
				licensee shall maintain a building inspection report that specifies that the
				building meets the applicable Wisconsin commercial building codes for use as a
				group child care center.
Note:
Local authorities should be consulted to
				  obtain any required zoning clearances or building permits.
(c) Space designated for use by children may
				only be used by children and staff and may not be used for other purposes while
				the center is open.
(d) The inside
				temperature may not be less than 67°F.
(e) If the inside temperature exceeds 80°
				F., the licensee shall provide for air circulation with fans, with air
				conditioning, or by other means.