| License type | Large family child care home |
| Regulating agency | Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) — Licensing |
| Regulatory code | Wis. Admin. Code DCF 251 (Certification of Child Care Centers); Wis. Stat. §48.65 |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 12–14 children with assistant (verify with WI DCF) |
| Assistant required | Yes — when group exceeds small home limit (typically 8+ children) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required; background check + pre-licensing orientation |
| Annual training | Both provider and assistant required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |
Wisconsin large family child care home: Capacity rules
Large family child care homes in Wisconsin use a capacity model with staffing tiers. Capacity depends on whether an assistant provider is present and the ages of children in care, under Wis. Admin. Code DCF 251 (Certification of Child Care Centers); Wis. Stat. §48.65.
Large family child care homes require a licensed assistant provider when the group exceeds the single-provider limit. For programs serving fewer children, see the Wisconsin small family child care home page.
| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 children | Provider alone | Small family home rules typically apply; verify with WI DCF |
| 9–12 children | Provider + assistant provider | Assistant must be approved by WI DCF; infant limits apply |
| 13–14 children | Provider + assistant provider | Additional capacity criteria may apply; verify with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families |
| Own children | Counted in total | Both provider’s and assistant’s own children under specified age count toward capacity |
Wisconsin large family child care home: Credential & training requirements
Provider / Operator requirements
The licensed provider of a large family child care home in Wisconsin must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation. No Director Permit is typically required. The provider must hold current CPR and pediatric first aid certification.
Assistant provider requirements
The assistant provider must also be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete CPR and first aid training. In most states, the assistant must be specifically identified and approved by the licensing agency as part of the license. An unapproved adult cannot fill the assistant role when the group exceeds the single-provider limit.
Annual training requirements
Both the provider and assistant provider must each complete continuing education hours annually as required by Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Contact WI DCF for the current training hour requirement and approved topics.
Wisconsin large family child care home: Facility requirements
The physical environment standards for large family child care homes in Wisconsin are similar to small homes but must accommodate a larger group, under Wis. Admin. Code DCF 251 (Certification of Child Care Centers); Wis. Stat. §48.65.
| Setting | Provider’s primary residence — same requirement as small family child care home |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area; must safely accommodate the larger licensed group |
| Space assessment | WI DCF will assess whether the home can safely accommodate the licensed capacity during the pre-licensing inspection |
| Sleeping arrangements | Appropriate sleep surfaces for all infants in care; safe sleep environment required |
| Assistant living arrangements | The assistant provider does not need to reside at the home but must be present whenever the group exceeds the single-provider limit |
How to get a large family child care home license in Wisconsin
The large family child care home licensing process in Wisconsin is administered by Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Follow these general steps:
- If expanding from a small family child care home, notify WI DCF of your intent — you must apply for a new or modified large family home license.
- Identify your assistant provider and submit their information to Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — the assistant must complete background checks and CPR/first aid.
- Complete the WI DCF application for a large family child care home license including all required disclosure forms.
- Schedule and pass an updated home inspection that evaluates the home’s capacity for the larger group.
- Obtain any updated local zoning or fire permits if your jurisdiction requires them for the expanded capacity.
- Receive your large family child care home license from Wisconsin Department of Children and Families specifying the approved capacity and the named assistant provider.
Licensing contact: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) — Licensing.
Official resource: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/licensing
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Frequently asked questions: Wisconsin large family child care home licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — family child care home licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Wisconsin
Also in this guide: Wisconsin Childcare Center Requirements, Wisconsin Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Wisconsin Preschool Requirements