If you are interested in starting your own child care business, here is information to help you choose your career path.

Types of Regulated Child Care Careers:

Certified Family Child Care providers may care for 3 unrelated children in their own home. Including related

children, under the age of seven, the total number of children cannot be greater than 6. There are two levels of certification to choose from: provisional and regular. A regular certified provider is required to complete a minimum of 15-20 hours of training in early childhood education (or remain provisionally certified without taking the training).

Licensed Family Child Care providers may care for a maximum of 8 children at one time (depending upon the ages of the children, it could be less than 8) in a home environment. This type of care is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families.

Licensed Group Child Care Centers provider care outside a home setting for 9 or more children. Typically, children are grouped with other children their own age. This type of care is also regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families.

Non-Regulated Child Care:

Baby sitters caring for 1 to 3 children in the babysitters home.

Baby sitters or nannies caring for children in their own home.

A babysitter who is a close relative or guardian.

THE LAW: In Wisconsin, you may legally care for up to three non-related children without becoming regulated (certified and/or licensed).

For more information on child care in your community, call Northwest Connection Family Resources at (800) 733-KIDS, (715) 634-2299 or email us at jstrand@ncfrwi.net .