For Families

Resources to help families find the quality child care their children need.

Types of Child Care

The first step in selecting a child care program is determining the type of program you prefer. Wisconsin has four kinds of regulated child care programs, defined by size and location.

Family Child Care: This care is offered inside a child care provider’s home, and can serve a maximum of eight children under age 7. Children of all ages can be cared for and create a community in the same space.

Group Child Care: This care takes place in a commercial building specifically used for child care. Children typically stay in one classroom with consistent classmates and teachers/care providers, and transition to new developmentally appropriate classrooms as they grow older. At all times, staff must maintain staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes based on the age of the children.

Certified Child Care: This is care offered inside a home, and can serve a maximum of three children under age 7.

Day Camp: This care is offered seasonally, and can serve four or more children ages 3 and up.

Resources

Use the Wisconsin Child Care Finder to locate child care near you.
Child Care, from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) contains information on choosing child care, licensing, child support and related topics.
Their mission is to serve and assist Oneida County residents in ways that strengthen families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence. OCDSS can provide assistance on applying for benefits like WI Shares.
Northwest Connection Family Resources‘ mission is to support and strengthen families and care givers by building a long lasting foundation through education, information, referrals, and shared opportunities.
Wisconsin Shares is Wisconsin’s child care subsidy program for income eligible families.
Children’s Wisconsin is a contracted service focusing on providing parents and caregivers with knowledge of parenting skills and family well-being along with other individualized needs and goals determined by the family.
Supporting Families Together Association envisions a future where all Wisconsin children have access to the highest quality child care.