Pre-Licensing is a required free service for people interested in starting either a licensed family child care or group child care center in Wisconsin. 4C For Children and CCR&R Network Pre-Licensing Technical Consultants will assist individuals in the Northeastern, Western and Southern (NEWS) regions from start to finish as you prepare for licensing and to ensure you understand and meet the licensing rules.

Note: The information below has been simplified. There will be other steps to complete, such as hiring staff, marketing, and working with zoning in your community. For a more in-depth list, see Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center.

1. Determine if you are qualified to open a licensed child care program.
2. Find a building that meets licensing requirements and is safe for children. 
3. Fill out the Expression of Interest form to apply for pre-licensing. Learn how to set up an account here.
4. A Pre-Licensing Technical Consultant (TC) will contact you and discuss next steps.
5. Gather and send in all required documents for Pre-Licensing
6. Work with a Pre-Licensing Technical Consultant (TC) (In-person visits/Regular virtual meetings/Resources and support
7. Take required trainings, if not already completed. Visit the Registry Training Calendar for courses currently being offered.
8. Prepare the building and outdoor space for child care.
9. Ensure you have all the items required for licensing.
10. Create policies and fill out the policy checklist – share with the Pre-Licensing Technical Consultant who will review policies.
11. Virtual visit with TC: Start reviewing Initial Licensing Checklist, go over policies together.
12. Final visit in person with TC
13. Complete and sign the Initial License Application and turn in all required materials as noted on the last  page of the application. Be sure to include a check or money order as requested.
14. Licensing will contact you for your first visit.

If you have questions, please email us at 4c@4cfc.org or call 414-562-2650.
If you are interested in starting a child care business in the Southeastern or Northern Regions, please contact WECA.