In The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Wisconsin Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Wisconsin. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
WISCONSIN Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Division of Early Care and Education Bureau of Early Care Regulation
201 Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8916, Madison, WI 53708-8916
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/205.pdf
(608) 266-9314
License renewal: A 6 months provisional license is initially required. Regular license renewal required once every 2 years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
Birth- 2 Years |
2- 2 1/2 Years |
2 1/2-3 Years |
3-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
5-6 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:6 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:13 |
1:17 |
1:18 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
34 |
36 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
34 |
36 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
420 sf. |
560 sf. |
700sf. |
840 sf. |
1190 sf. |
1260 sf |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per child
- Concrete and asphalt are prohibited under climbing equipment, swings, and slides.
- When the off-premises, outdoor play space can be reached by walking. To transport 3 year old’s and younger to the outdoor play area the staff will put them in a wheeled vehicle.
- The outdoor play space will be well-drained and will be free of hazards.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
18 |
A care provider will be physically, emotionally and mentally well to take care of the children, including children with disabilities. They must be at least 18 years old. |
3 |
A provider will have satisfactory completed 3 credits of the board to board early childhood training. |
2 |
The width of every exit door will be at least 2 feet 6 inches. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Each child care will have a written plan for taking action during a fire or tornado, missing child or any other emergency. |  |
Smoke detectors will be installed and maintained in operating condition on each floor and in areas used for sleeping or rest periods. |  |
Amy heated or hot surfaces will be guarded so the children can not touch them. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019