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Contact Us What's New Best Practices & Accrediation Training & Consulting Licensing Startup Resources The Business of Child Care Health & Safety

In order to begin the process of licensing, you will need to obtain a Family Child Care Inquiry Packet (8 or fewer children at one time) or a Group Child Care Inquiry Packet (9 or more children at one time) by sending a check or money order, payable to the Department of Children and Families or DCF,  for $25, to the Northern Regional Licensing Office in Rhinelander.  All packets will be mailed from the Rhinelander office.

 

Bureau of Early Care Regulation

Northern Regional Office

2187 North Stevens Street - Suite C

Rhinelander, WI 54501
 

Click here to download a Child Care Inquiry Packet Request (DCF-2022)

Click here if you are interested in obtaining a family day care license.

First Steps:

  1. Consult appropriate officials about licensing rules (included in the Group Day Care Inquiry Packet or view them online), zoning codes, and information on sanitation rules, building, fire and safety provisions.


    2.
  2. Determine the need for child care in the community and decide what kind of center you will operate. Your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency is a valuable source of information.


    3.
  3. Complete the worksheet sent with Rules book (inquiry packet) and mail it to WCCIP. A Technical Advisor (TA) will be assigned to help you. You may wish to postpone this step until you are more certain your plans will materialize.


    4.
  4. Look into locations. Determine costs for building, purchasing, leasing or using donated space. Consider renovations needed and take bids.


    5.
  5. Review building inspection checklist Contact building inspector to request preliminary inspection for child care. Talk to inspector about current zoning status and steps needed to change zoning if necessary. If zoning variance is needed, plan on spending 2-4 months working on this process.


    6.
  6. Meet with your TA to discuss layout (room sizes, groupings, ages, staffing).

    With your attorney:

  7. Decide on the form of organization (corporation, partnership or proprietorship) and, if corporation, discuss advantages and disadvantages of a “for profit” or a “not-for-profit”. For more information, visit Wisconsin’s Build Your Business website.


    8.
  8. File, receive incorporation papers if a corporation; file true name certificate if proprietorship. Call Dept. Of Commerce (608)-261-9555 or visit their website.


    9.
  9. If not-for-profit: File and receive tax exemption forms--contact IRS. File and receive state tax exemptions--contact State Department of Revenue (608)-266-2776 or visit their website. This is a complex and lengthy process.


    10. Get your finances in order:
  10. Develop and collect data for start-up and operating budget. Call Resource and Referral to get information on current wages and child care rates in your zip code area). Include Unemployment Compensation tax and FICA.


    11.
  11. Survey sources, cost of insurance: property, premises, liability, vehicle (if applicable), workers' compensation.


    12.
  12. Establish business bank accounts.


    13.
  13. Pursue funding. Possible sources: foundations, grants, bank loans, contributions, employer subsidy, fund-raising, self-financing. You may need to write a grant or prepare a business plan to get the funding you desire.


    14. Preparing for licensing:
  14. Get building ready for occupancy, including needed renovations. If you rent, talk with owner to determine who pays for renovation.


    15.
  15. Write personnel, program, and parent policies. Your TA can help you obtain guidelines for doing these policies, and will review your preliminary drafts for missing elements.


    16.
  16. Order and purchase furniture, toys, and equipment. Allow extra time for back-ordered items. Install fence and outdoor play equipment.


    17.
  17. Phone and utilities: Open accounts.


    18.
  18. Apply for and receive approvals from health, building safety and fire safety if appropriate.


    19.
  19. Meet with your TA for final sign-off. Be sure all items on the Group Child Care Initial Licensing Checklist are implemented. 
    20.  
  20. Submit all necessary information with license application to DHFS at least 60 days prior to your intended opening date.


    21.
  21. Hire teaching and support staff. Initiate + (CHRI) on each. Develop personnel files for self and each employee, including W-4, I-5, and documentation of educational qualifications.


    22.
  22. Design curriculum and daily schedule, orient and train staff. Add final touches to classrooms.


    23.
  23. Advertise, recruit and enroll children. Buy food. OPEN YOUR DOORS ONCE LICENSED!!

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