How to start a home daycare in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees home daycares in Wisconsin. These are the kinds it allows and the steps, each with the state's own page.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.

The kinds of home daycare Wisconsin allows

Starting a home daycare in Wisconsin, step by step

  1. Send an Expression of Interest

    Set up an account in the Child Care Provider Portal. Send your Expression of Interest there.

    Source: Starting a Licensed Child Care Program in Wisconsin

  2. Check local zoning

    Ask your city whether zoning exempts your home or you need a permit.

    Source: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)

  3. Write your policies

    Develop written policies and procedures for your program.

    Source: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)

  4. Complete background checks

    You and anyone 10 or older who lives in your home need background checks.

    Source: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)

  5. Get a physical exam

    Each provider needs a physical exam showing they are free of illness harmful to children.

    Source: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)

  6. Work with a pre-licensing consultant

    Get pre-licensing help before you apply. It ends with a completed initial licensing checklist.

    Source: Family Child Care Center (FCC) Rule Book

  7. Apply at least 60 days before you open

    Send your application at least 60 days before you plan to open.

    Source: Family Child Care Center (FCC) Rule Book

  8. Complete the licensing visit

    Your regional licensing specialist contacts you after you apply to set up a visit.

    Source: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)

At a glance

Who oversees home daycares
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). Licenses home child care for 4 or more children under age 7.Source: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)
When you need a license
Care for 4 or more children under age 7 on a regular basisSource: Family Child Care Center (FCC) Rule Book
Provider age
18 or olderSource: Family Child Care Center (FCC) Rule Book
Fingerprints
Adults 18 and older also get a fingerprint checkSource: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)
Renting
Confirm your landlord allows a child care businessSource: Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Child Care Center (DCF-P-PFS4066)
Limit per person
No more than 2 family child care centersSource: Family Child Care Center (FCC) Rule Book

Good to know

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Questions, answered

How do I start a home daycare in Wisconsin?

The first step: Send an Expression of Interest. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who oversees home daycares in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). Licenses home child care for 4 or more children under age 7.

How many children can a home daycare in Wisconsin care for?

Certified family child care: 1 to 3 children under 7 not related to you. Licensed family child care center: 4 to 12 children.

About this page

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.

This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.

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