Pre-Licensing

Let us help you! 

Pre-Licensing is a FREE service from Child Care Partnership for potential child care providers. We provide one-on-one licensing preparation technical assistance in Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix and Trempealeau Counties, including the Ho-Chunk Nation.

If you work outside of our service delivery area, you can find help here.

The purpose of pre-licensing is to prepare family and group early care and education professionals for the state licensing process. This is done through technical assistance on how to set-up appropriate child care environments, policies, procedures, staffing strategies, and safety measures. This process is completed through a policy review and a site visit. 

Step 1: Determine the type of business you will be

Family child care: a child care program that provides care and supervision  for less than 24 hours a day for at least 4 and not more than 8 children who are not related to the provider, typically located in the provider's home.

Group child care: a child care program that provides care and supervision for less than 24 hours a day for 9 or more children who are not related to the provider, typically located in a commercial building. 

A quick guide to regulated child care

Information on starting a child care

Information on regulation types 

Step 2: Complete an Expression of Interest form (EOI)

• Go to DCF's Starting a Licensed Child Care page
• Follow the steps to create a Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP)
• Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) User Guide
• Complete the EOI there
• EOI Application Guide
• The EOI will be sent directly to Child Care Partnership/Pre-Licensing

Step 3: Your Child Care Partnership pre-licensor will contact you

Please allow at least 3 business days for this email or call to reach you. 

While you are awaiting next steps, please review the DCF Inquiry Packet (located at the bottom of that linked web page) to view:

• Rule books (Click here to purchase a printed rule book)
• Training Requirements
• Other helpful information

Step 4: Work with your CCP Pre-Licensor to prepare for your DCF licensing visit

Your Pre-Licensor will provide guidance on:

• Your business's Policy Handbook
• Building requirements
• Provider training and education
• Health and safety
• Best business practices
• Purchasing the required Licensing Manual

This service is brought to local communities in partnership with Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA) and is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF).