DCF 250.055(1)(c) (c) No individual provider may care for children for more than 16 hours in any 24-hour period.

DCF 250.055(1)(d) (d) No child may be in care for more than 14 hours in any 24-hour period.

DCF 250.055(1)(e) (e) At least one provider who has completed the training required under s. DCF 250.05 (3) (b) shall supervise children at all times, except when a substitute is providing care. A substitute shall meet the requirements under s. DCF 250.05 (3) (c) and (4) (a).

DCF 250.055(1)(f) (f) No person under 18 years of age may be left in sole charge of the children.

DCF 250.055(1)(g) (g) The center shall have a written plan reviewed by the department for ensuring supervision of the children in an emergency or during a provider’s absence.

DCF 250.055(1)(h) (h) A provider may not be engaged in any other activity or occupation during the hours of operation of the center when children are in care, except for daily maintenance of the home.

DCF 250.055(1)(i) (i) The licensee may not combine the care of children enrolled in the child care center with foster care of other non-related children or adults without the prior written approval of both licensing agencies.

DCF 250.055(1)(j) (j) During the hours of the center’s operation, no provider or any other person in contact with children in care may consume or be under the influence of beverages containing alcohol or any non-prescribed controlled substance specified in ch. 961, Stats.

DCF 250.055(1)(k) (k) A child may not be released to any person who has not been previously authorized by the parent to receive the child.

DCF 250.055(1)(L) (L) The licensee shall implement and adhere to a procedure to ensure that the number, names, and whereabouts of children in care are known to the provider at all times.

DCF 250.055(1)(m) (m) A provider shall be outside with children and provide sight and sound supervision of the children, unless the children are playing inside the enclosed outdoor area on the premises specified under s. DCF 250.06 (11) (b).

DCF 250.055(1)(n) (n) A provider shall be outside with children providing sight and sound supervision of the children when a wading pool containing water is present in the outdoor play space specified in s. DCF 250.06 (11) (b).

DCF 250.055(2) (2) Grouping of children.

DCF 250.055(2)(a) (a) At no time may more than 8 children be in the care of the center. This limitation applies to all of the following:

DCF 250.055(2)(a)1. 1. All children under 7 years of age, including a provider’s own children.

DCF 250.055(2)(a)2. 2. All children 7 years of age or older who are not a provider’s own children.

DCF 250.055(2)(b) (b) The maximum number of children that one provider may care for is specified in Table 250.055.

DCF 250.055(2)(c) (c) If the size of the group or the age distribution of the children exceeds the number that may be served by one provider, an additional qualified provider shall be present.

DCF 250.055 Note Note: For example, if there are 3 children under 2 years of age present at one time and 5 children between the 2 years of age and 6 years of age present, a second provider is required. At no time may the maximum number of children in care exceed 8.

DCF 250.055(2)(d) (d) When care is provided on a level that is more than 6 feet above or below ground level, no more than 2 children under 2 years of age per provider may be in care.

DCF 250.055 Note Note: Section DCF 250.06 (4) (e) requires an interconnected smoke detection system in operating condition if one or more children under 2 years of age will be cared for in a location that is more than six feet above or below the ground level.

- See PDF for table

DCF 250.055 History History: EmR1918: emerg. cr., eff. 1-30-19; CR 19-089: cr. Register March 2020 No. 771, eff. 4-1-20; CR 21-100: r. and recr. (2) (d) Register February 2023 No. 806, eff. 3-1-23.

DCF 250.06 DCF 250.06 Physical plant and equipment.

DCF 250.06(1) (1) Building.

DCF 250.06(1)(a) (a) Conformance with building codes. Family child care centers located in a building that is not a one or 2-family dwelling shall conform to the applicable Wisconsin commercial building codes. A copy of a building inspection report evidencing compliance with the applicable building codes shall be submitted to the department prior to the department’s issuance of a license.

DCF 250.06 Note Note: The building inspection report should be sent to the appropriate regional office listed in Appendix A.

DCF 250.06(1)(b) (b) Space and temperature.

DCF 250.06(1)(b)1. 1. A center shall have at least 35 square feet of usable floor space per child. Usable floor space for children does not include passageways, bathrooms, lockers, storage areas, the furnace room, the part of the kitchen occupied by stationary equipment, and space occupied by furniture that is not intended for children’s use.