Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make. Use the following tools to assist you in evaluating your child care options and selecting a child care program that meets the needs of both your children and your family:
Child care needs vary by family – and that includes accommodating different schedules. Child Care Aware of America’s resource flyer found HERE gives guidance for families who need care outside of traditional business hours.
CCR&R offers enhanced childcare referral services for parents and families.
A typical childcare referral involves our CCR&R Referral Specialist sending families a customized list of regulated childcare programs according to their child(ren)’s age, location, and schedule.
An enhanced referral is designed to lessen the time it takes for families to find available childcare by providing them with programs that have recently indicated that there is a vacancy for their child(ren)’s age group.
Since 1987, Child Care Resource & Referral has helped many parents find child care by offering information and assistance in choosing and evaluating child care programs. We offer you information on options, not recommendations. CCR&R cannot warrant accuracy of provider information, nor can we assure the quality of service of any child care provider referred in this process.
In addition, this information is available for personal and non-commercial use only. CCR&R does not permit any replication of this information for commercial or statistical use, unauthorized attempts to do so on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986. The above terms apply to each search performed. By clicking the button below, you agree that you have read and accept the above disclaimer for this and all future searches.
CCR&R referral services are not limited to a list of available child care programs in your area, but also includes counseling about child care and how to select a program that meets your needs. We maintain a database of all regulated providers in eight counties, as well as information regarding yearly average child care rates.
YoungStar is a rating and improvement program created by the WI Department of Children and Families that gives families a snapshot of a program’s quality to compare with their own views on quality child care.
Programs meet certain quality standards at 2, 3, 4, and 5 stars. A child care program must have 2 or more stars to be eligible to accept WI Shares funding.
Parents can find more information about YoungStar online by clicking the “For Parents” tab when visiting the YoungStar website.
No person shall for compensation provide care and supervision for four (4) or more children under the age of seven (7) for less than 24 hours a day unless he obtains a license to operate a day care center from the WI Department of Children and Families.
THE LAW APPLIES WHEN…
Family child care providers offer care for children in the provider’s home. There are several types of regulation for family child care providers.
Are certified for a maximum period of 6 months. They have initial training but must complete pre-service training to be upgraded to Regular Certification.
Certified providers may provide care for up to 3 non-related children under age 7 and up to 3 children over the age of 7. The provider’s related children under age 7 are counted in the maximum group size of 6. Regular certified family child care providers are certified for a 2 year period and have completed the required pre-service training. They are also required to obtain annual continuing education.
In-home certified providers care for children in the home of the child. In-home providers may care for all children who reside in the home but the provider may not bring any other children into care.
Licensed providers may provide care for up to 8 children under age 7 with a maximum group size of 8. Provider’s related children under age 7 are counted in a maximum group size of 8. They are required to have pre-service training and obtain annual continuing education.
Includes programs that serve 9 or more children. Each center must meet specific regulations including ratios of caregivers to children and group size. Staff must meet training requirements including annual continuing education.
Typically run for four or fewer hours per day and serve children ages three to five. Preschool programs operate in child care centers, schools, and other community buildings, and can obtain a license from the Department of Children and Families. Faith organizations sponsor many part-day preschool programs and are license-exempt.
Include community early care and education center programs and elementary school programs for four-year-olds that are fully funded and operate under the direction of your resident public school district. To be eligible for four-year-old kindergarten, a child must be four by September 1st of the school year.
Federal program that provides free, comprehensive developmental services for preschool children from low-income eligible families. Families with children with disabilities are also encourages to apply. Early Head Start is also available in several Wisconsin communities and serves children birth to age three and their families.
Nanny care is a term generally used to designate child care provided in the child’s own home. The family that employs an in-home caregiver is responsible for a variety of taxes, including Social Security (FICA), unemployment tax, income tax, and worker’s compensation. In-home care is not subject to federal and state child care regulations, including mandatory criminal caregiver background checks. Applicants should be carefully screened.
Suggested resource guide for In-Home/Nanny Child Care can be found HERE
Early years are learning years! Current research has shown that 90% of a child’s potential is determined by age 5. The child care professionals who help care for your child are also those who help shape your child’s mind.
When parents know their children are in a safe, caring, learning environment, they are happier at work, more productive, and less likely to take days off.
Research shows that targeted, high-quality child care can put more children on track for success in school and in life. This in turn improves workforce readiness and decreases the need for special education and social welfare programs.
Enrolling children in a quality early education environment not only benefits families, but also benefits schools and ultimately, the social and economic well-being of our communities.
