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 allowing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to authorize licensed child care centers to provide care for a larger number of children. Specifically, it changes the definition of a family child care center to accommodate care for four to 12 children, up from the previous limit of eight, and redefines a group child care center to serve 13 or more children, instead of the previous threshold of nine. Additionally, the bill amends the associated licensing fees to reflect these changes.

The bill also includes provisions for training requirements for child care providers, ensuring that all staff and volunteers receive training in preventing sudden infant death syndrome before they begin their roles. It mandates that the DCF update its rules accordingly and harmonize existing definitions in administrative codes to align with the new statutory definitions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the capacity and regulatory framework of child care services in Wisconsin, thereby addressing the growing demand for child care.

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