Wisconsin ChildcareLicensing Requirements

Current DCF license posted visibly

Ref: DCF 251.03

License reflects current capacity and age groups

Ref: DCF 251.03

License renewal application submitted timely

Ref: DCF 251.03

Inspection reports available for parent review

Ref: DCF 251.03

Parent rights information posted

Ref: DCF 251.03

Caregiver Background Check (CBC) completed for all staff

Ref: DCF 251.04

Background check rechecks current (every 4 years)

Ref: DCF 251.04

Wisconsin Registry certificate current for all staff

Ref: DCF 251.05

Director meets qualification requirements (Registry Level 14+)

Ref: DCF 251.05

Teachers meet qualification requirements

Ref: DCF 251.05

Pediatric CPR certification current for all staff

Ref: DCF 251.05

First aid certification current for all staff

Ref: DCF 251.05

Continuing education hours documented (15 hours/year)

Ref: DCF 251.05

Child abuse and neglect training completed

Ref: DCF 251.05

Shaken baby syndrome/AHT prevention training completed

Ref: DCF 251.05

SIDS/safe sleep training completed for infant caregivers

Ref: DCF 251.07

Introduction to Child Care Profession training completed

Ref: DCF 251.05

Fire drills conducted monthly and documented

Ref: DCF 251.09

Tornado/severe weather drills conducted monthly (April-October)

Ref: DCF 251.09

Lockdown drills conducted twice yearly

Ref: DCF 251.09

Full evacuation drill to alternate location annually

Ref: DCF 251.09

Written emergency plan posted and accessible

Ref: DCF 251.09

Tornado shelter location identified and marked

Ref: DCF 251.09

Emergency contact numbers posted by phones

Ref: DCF 251.09

Evacuation routes posted in each room

Ref: DCF 251.09

First aid kit properly stocked and accessible

Ref: DCF 251.07

Medication storage secure and procedures followed

Ref: DCF 251.07

Handwashing procedures followed

Ref: DCF 251.07

Diapering area sanitary with proper procedures

Ref: DCF 251.07

Ill child exclusion policy implemented

Ref: DCF 251.07

Hazardous materials stored securely out of reach

Ref: DCF 251.06

Safe sleep practices followed (back to sleep, firm surface)

Ref: DCF 251.07

Smoke and CO detectors functional

Ref: DCF 251.06

Indoor space meets 35 sq ft per child requirement

Ref: DCF 251.06

Outdoor play area meets 75 sq ft per child requirement

Ref: DCF 251.06

Playground equipment safe and age-appropriate

Ref: DCF 251.06

Facility clean and in good repair

Ref: DCF 251.06

Temperature maintained between 67-75°F

Ref: DCF 251.06

Adequate lighting throughout facility

Ref: DCF 251.06

Outdoor area fenced and secure

Ref: DCF 251.06

Infant ratio maintained (1:4, max group 8)

Ref: DCF 251.055

Toddler ratio maintained (1:4-6 based on age)

Ref: DCF 251.055

Preschool ratio maintained (1:10-13)

Ref: DCF 251.055

School-age ratio maintained (1:18, max group 36)

Ref: DCF 251.055

Emergency contact forms complete for all children

Ref: DCF 251.04

Immunization records current (WIR or provider)

Ref: Wis. Stats. §252.04

Health history on file

Ref: DCF 251.07

Individual health plan on file (if applicable)

Ref: DCF 251.07

Children supervised at all times

Ref: DCF 251.055

YoungStar rating posted (if participating)

Ref: DCF 251.03