Child Care Information Sessions

Are you looking to open your own Child Care Program and are wondering which type of regulated child care to choose?

Certified or Licensed Family?   Licensed Group??  If you are interested in becoming a regulated child care provider and cannot decide which type would be the best for you, please join us at one of the following information sessions where you will learn about:

  • The different types of regulated child care in Wisconsin
  • The steps you need to take to start the process for each type

All sessions take place virtually online via Zoom. A link will be emailed to you the day before the session.

$10.00 registration fee for cost & materials

Register by selecting the link next to the date – All sessions are held 6:00pm – 8:00pm

April 12         Click here to register for April 12 event 907027

May 10          Click here to register for May 10 event 907036

June 14         Click here to register for June 14 event 907043

July 12          Click here to register for July 12 event 907046

August 9       Click here to register for August 9 event 907059 

Sept 13         Click here to register for Sept 13 event 907069

Oct 11           Click here to register for Oct 11 event 907074

Nov 8           Click here to register for Nov 8 event 907076 

Dec 13         Click here to register for Dec 13 event 907080

Family Child Care Programs can be regulated as either Certified or Licensed. A general comparison can be found here.

Average Provider Rates by County

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.

AFTER reviewing the Licensing Info Packet, complete a Child Care Business Start-Up Worksheet and email or mail it to Supporting Families Together Association.


Washington County Certification

4C For Children provides certification services for Washington County.

Certification is available for family child care providers who are not required to be licensed, but who wish to care for up to 3 children under 7 years of age, with a maximum number of 6 children in care at one time. Being certified, you are able to provide care for Wisconsin Shares subsidized children, you may participate in the child and adult food program, and receive parent referrals when parents call 4C looking for child care.

For assistance: please contact certifier Carolyn Dame at 262-894-1417

Requirements for Washington County Certification

  • Attend a Child Care Certification Orientation-call to schedule
  • Application packet ($60 fee)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test/Screening
  • Background Check/Fingerprinting Requirement
  • Young Star Participation to Accept WI Shares (if accepting families that receive the SHARES benefit)
  • Site Visit
  • Introduction to Child Care Profession
  • Fundamentals of Family Child Care
  • Infant/Child CPR
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)-if caring for children under the age of 1 year
  • Abusive Head Trauma-if caring for children under the age of 5 years (formerly Shaken Baby Syndrome Training)
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Training
  • Enrollment with FIS (Fidelity National Information Services)