Senate Bill 364 aims to update the licensing regulations for family and group child care centers in Wisconsin. The bill modifies the current law by increasing the capacity limits for family child care centers from a maximum of eight children to twelve, and for group child care centers from nine or more children to thirteen or more. Specifically, it requires the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to authorize licensed child care centers that have adequate staff and space to provide care for these new capacity limits. Additionally, the bill mandates that DCF update its rules accordingly, ensuring that family child care centers cater to four to twelve children and group child care centers to thirteen or more.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing statutes, such as changing the biennial licensing fees associated with these centers and updating training requirements for child care providers. For instance, the training in preventing sudden infant death syndrome must be completed before a license is issued or employment begins. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that requires DCF to amend definitions related to family and group child care centers in the administrative code to align with the new capacity limits. Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance the regulatory framework governing child care services in Wisconsin, reflecting the growing demand for child care options.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 48.65(3)(a), 48.65, 66.1017(1)(a), 66.1017