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July 1, 2026

8 Chapter 1 Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program

Section 1.1 Program Purpose Wisconsin Shares assists low-income families with a portion of the cost of quality child care while they are working or participating in activities that will lead to work. Activities that will lead to work include participation in: • Wisconsin Works (W-2) • FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) • Eligible educational activities

This section last updated 12/1/2022

Section 1.2 Statutory Authority Wisconsin Shares was created under Wisconsin Statutes ss. 49.141 through 49.161 and specifically s. 49.155, and Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF Chs. 101, 102, and 201. The program is delivered locally through contracts between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and tribes, county agencies, and Income Maintenance (IM) consortia with approval to include Child Care in their IM service delivery model. In Milwaukee County, eligibility is determined by the Department of Health Services, Milwaukee Enrollment Services (MilES). Authorizations are managed by DCF, Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA). Additionally, a contracted nonprofit agency manages child care subsidy for children of migrant farmworkers. For specific statutory and administrative code references, see Appendix I – Statutes and Administrative Rules.

This section last updated 12/1/2022

Section 1.3 Parent’s Rights Individuals served in the Wisconsin Shares program have the right to: • Be treated with respect by state and local program staff • Confidentiality of local agency records • Access records and files relating to their case o The local agency may withhold information obtained under a promise of confidentiality to the provider of the information • Speedy determination of eligibility and notice of any proposed change in such eligibility • Speedy appeals of department decisions related to their case

This section last updated 12/1/2022