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July 1, 2026

199 Violation Occurrence Serious Not Serious Second Violation Provider is issued a forfeiture of $200 for each violation. Department issues a warning letter Third Violation Provider is issued a forfeiture of $100-$10,000 for each violation and the provider may be suspended from the Wisconsin Shares program.

Provider is issued a forfeiture of $100-$10,000.

Department may follow up with the provider within the next six (6) months to determine if the violation(s) have been corrected.

Stipulations The BCCSA issues stipulations to providers. A stipulation is issued to a provider in lieu of a permanent suspension in cases where the violations meet the criteria for a permanent suspension, but the violations do not appear intentional, the provider is receptive to the corrections, and there is evidence that the provider will come into compliance in the future. If a stipulation is issued, an audit should be conducted after six (6) months. This allows the department or local agency to return and monitor progress of compliance for violations initially discovered and to offer additional Technical Assistance. This process assists in maintaining the department’s mandate for having accessible, high-quality child care centers. Overpayments must be assessed for any violations discovered in correlation with the stipulation.

Permanent Suspension Providers may be permanently suspended when they intentionally make a false or misleading statement, misrepresent or withhold facts, or commit any act that constitutes a violation of state or federal law for the purpose of using, presenting, transferring, acquiring, receiving, possessing, or trafficking benefits. If the department approves the suspension, the provider will not be allowed to participate as a provider in the Wisconsin Shares program indefinitely and will receive an overpayment to recover any misappropriated funds.

Permanent Suspension FAQs

Question Answer Who determines permanent suspensions? The local agency or department may recommend a permanent suspension and provide the investigation report and details to support the recommendation. The DCF Division of Early Care and Education Division Administrator or designee makes the final