What is Legal Child Care?

When you as a parent entrust the care of your child to another, you are making an important decision. Therefore, take your time before you choose a program to make sure it is legal care. Here are some things you should know:

Chapter 48, Wis. Stat.s
No person shall for compensation provide care and supervision for 4 or more children under the age of seven for less than 24 hours a day unless s/he obtains a license to operate a child care center from the Department of Health and Family Services.

The law applies when:
~There are 4 or more children at any one time.
~The children are under the age of seven.
~Care is outside of the child's own home.
~The caregiver is a non-relative and non-guardian.
~The child care is for compensation.
~The parents are off the premises.
~The child care is less than 24 hours a day.

The law does not apply when:
~Child care is sponsored by a public, private, or parochial school.
~The caregiver is a close relative or guardian.
~The care is given in the child's home.
~The parents are on the premises for shopping, recreation, or other non-work activity.
~Supervision is for activities such as dancing, music, religious education class, scouts, etc.
~Care is seasonal program for ten days or less in any three month period.