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July 1, 2026

100 Licensed providers are required to report all seasonal closings at least five (5) calendar days before the closing to the local agency and the Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR).

The Department of Children and Families conducts audits to confirm child care providers comply with program rules. If a provider is found to be out of compliance, they will receive a Provider Explanation Letter (7m letter) (see Appendix IX – Provider Program Integrity).

This section last updated 7/1/2026

Section 14.9 Provider Closures Parents may use their subsidy to pay child care providers in the following closure scenarios: • Two (2) weeks of closures per calendar year • Closures for state government legal holidays as defined in Wis. Stat. s. 230.35(4)(a)

During child care provider closures, parents may request a second authorization to a different provider. This section last updated 12/1/2023

Chapter 15 Authorization Periods

Section 15.1 Authorization Begin Dates at Application and Renewal When the parent completes the authorization assessment within 30 calendar days of the Request for Assistance (RFA) date or the start date of the new eligibility period, an authorization may begin on the most recent of the following dates: • The RFA date • The start date of the new eligibility period following a completed renewal • The date the child began attending the child care provider • The date that the child care provider the child is attending met the criteria in Sections 14.1, 14.2 (as applicable), and 14.3.1

For relatives with court-ordered placement under Wis. Stat. Chapters 48 or 938 who also receive the Kinship Care payment, the authorization may be backdated to the first of the month of the RFA date if the above criteria were met and the child was placed with the caregiver on or before the first of the month.