HOT TIP: “Learn how to use (and buy) a computer. You cannot run a business from your phone.”
Are You Ready to Open a Child Care Business?
Opening and operating a child care program is a big undertaking. Take some time to think about why you want to start a child care business and to consider some important questions before you get started.
Take a self-assessment here! Family Child Care Provider Self-Assessment Child Care Center Self-Assessment
Child Care Information Sessions
Are you considering starting your own Child Care Program and uncertain about which type of regulated child care to select? We invite you to attend one of the following information sessions.
Sessions are in-person, located at 4C For Children, 1736 N. 2nd St. Milwaukee, WI 53212, and virtual via Zoom. Zoom Link provided one day before between 3 pm and midnight by tdachel@4cfc.org
Register by selecting the link next to the date. All sessions starting in January are Free. Click the Registry event ID to register.
December 18, 2025 – 9:00 am – 11:00 am Click here to register: Registry Event ID #993115
January 14, 2026- Virtual Training – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registry Event ID #1000150
January 22, 2026 -In-person – 9:30 am – 11:30 am Registry Event ID #1000151
February 11, 2026- Virtual Training – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registry Event ID #1000729
February 26, 2026 – In-person – 9:30 am – 11:30 am Registry Event ID # 1000731
March 11, 2026 – Virtual Training – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registry Event ID # 1000732
March 26, 2026 – In-person – 9:30 am – 11:30 am Registry Event ID # 1000734
Family Child Care Programs can be regulated as either Certified or Licensed. A general comparison can be found here.
Licensing Inquiry Packet Information
Starting a Licensed Child Care program? Click here to view the inquiry packet on DCF’s website
This packet contains all the necessary materials, forms, and resources to help you begin planning for your child care business. Please review the packet in its entirety before moving to the next step of the pre-licensing process.
Pre-Licensing
Caring for children and helping them learn and grow through the most important developmental years can be an incredibly rewarding profession. In Wisconsin, your journey to becoming an early childhood educator begins with what we call the Pre-Licensing Process. Pre-Licensing is a free service offered to anyone who is interested in obtaining a family child care license or a group child care license.
Visit the Pre-Licensing page by clicking here: PRE-LICENSING
