Want to start a child care business in Wisconsin?
Families across the state need more child care programs – they need you!
The Provider Assistance for Licensing Program (PAL) is no longer accepting new participants. If you are interested in starting a new child care business, please visit WECA Pre-Licensing for information about the Southeastern and Northern regions or 4C for Children for other areas of the state.
Note to PAL participants: All allowable expenses must be submitted for reimbursement by June 1, 2024.
Top 5 reasons to start a licensed child care program NOW!
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Set your own schedule
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Create relationships that last for years
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Job security – be your own boss
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If you have children, never look for care again, watch them grow, and make money at the same time!
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Build a career that truly makes a difference
Benefits of being a licensed child care program
- Greater credibility as a provider and business owner – possibility for greater earning potential
- Listing on the Child Care Finder, making it easier for families to find your program.
- DCF Child Care Resource Guide for Families – English
- DCF Child Care Resource Guide for Families – Spanish
- Access to agency programs to support you, families, and children:
- Birth to Three
- Wisconsin Shares payments – subsidy payments for low-income families
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) – reimbursement for healthy food
- Participate in YoungStar, Wisconsin’s child care quality rating and improvement system.
- Access to business banking opportunities
- Secure your business safety with access to liability insurance that shields against risks
- You have support: Tap into all WECA program and Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R) resources
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- Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN): Offers business practice resources to save you time and money
- REWARD Wisconsin Stipend Program: Direct payments twice a year based on eligibility criteria
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin: Scholarship program to make higher education affordable and sometimes nearly free
- Career Development Counseling: Free coaching to assist with direction on early educators’ career, educational, and professional journey
- WECA Food Program: Offers partial reimbursement for serving healthy meals and snacks. WECA is one of six Wisconsin Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsors and is eligible to serve family child care programs in all counties and Tribal nations.
- Professional Development: Annual Conference, additional trainings, WECA/NAEYC membership, and more
- Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA) and regional CCR&R support
This program is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.