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Early Head Start, 3K, and Get Kids Ready All the hours from an Early Head Start, 3K, and Get Kids Ready program are hours that can be included in the authorization if the program is co-located with the child care provider location.

Example 7 (Get Kids Ready): Danielle enrolls her child, Flora, in the Get Kids Ready program located at her licensed child care provider. Since the Get Kids Ready program is co-located with the licensed child care provider, all hours from the Get Kids Ready program can be included in Flora’s authorization.

This section last updated 7/1/2026

Section 16.1.1.4 School-Age Children Authorizations Wisconsin Shares does not allow authorizations for time during the typical school day for children in grades K through 12 while the school year is in session. The typical school day is determined by the local agency after a review of the school district hours of operation and school district calendar for schools within the county. A child’s school bell schedule does not need to be entered in CSAW or documented in case comments.

Children in grades K through 12 can receive authorizations for times outside of the typical school hours during the school year and for times when school is not in session (e.g., summer break, planned holiday breaks, or other planned school-closed times).

An authorization may be written for a school age child during the typical school day when school is in session if a short-term (defined as less than 30 days) emergency occurs in which the child needs to attend virtual school at a child care provider while the parent participates in their approved activity.

After reviewing the parent’s authorization request and if it is still unclear if the situation meets the need for an authorization, the agency worker should contact the Child Care Help Desk at childcare@wisconsin.gov for review and approval or denial. A short-term emergency authorization must be documented in case comments (see 12.2).

Example: Sadie is in first grade and breaks her arm during recess. Sadie’s mom Nichole has reached out to the school who said they will allow Sadie to attend virtual school for three weeks while she heals. Nichole contacts her local agency to request an authorization for Sadie at her current after-school child care provider for the three weeks during the typical school day while Nichole participates in her approved activity. The worker enters the authorization for the three-week time period.

The following children are not eligible for an authorization during the typical school day or for school closed hours: • Children who are homeschooled