Welcome to Pre-Licensing!

Caring for children and helping them learn and grow through the most important developmental years can be an incredibly rewarding profession. In Wisconsin, your journey to becoming an early childhood educator begins with what we call the Pre-Licensing Process. Pre-Licensing is a free service offered to anyone who is interested in obtaining a family child care license or a group child care license. 

How to become a Licensed Child Care Provider

Start here! Fill out the Expression of Interest form on

the Child Care Provider Portal.

DCF User Guide to Expression of Interest Form: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/5762.pdf 

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