Wisconsin Childcare Licensing

Wisconsin Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)

Children enrolled in a licensed Wisconsin childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. Wisconsin requires documentation for 8 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.

Licensing Agency

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Division of Early Care and Education →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Wisconsin Immunization Requirements: The Specifics

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate DTaP/DTP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Polio (IPV/OPV) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hepatitis B (Hep B) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Varicella (chickenpox) - reliable history of disease accepted per DHS 144.03(2)(g) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate PCV (pneumococcal conjugate) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Required under the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law and ch. DHS 144 (DHS 144.03 minimum immunization requirements; child care centers must assess/report status of children age 2-4); written evidence due within 30 school days of admission; health/medical waiver under DHS 144.04 and religious or personal-conviction waiver under DHS 144.05 immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Wisconsin Immunization Requirements Checklist

  • DTaP/DTP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
  • Polio (IPV/OPV)
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Hepatitis B (Hep B)
  • Varicella (chickenpox) - reliable history of disease accepted per DHS 144.03(2)(g)
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • PCV (pneumococcal conjugate)
  • Required under the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law and ch. DHS 144 (DHS 144.03 minimum immunization requirements; child care centers must assess/report status of children age 2-4); written evidence due within 30 school days of admission; health/medical waiver under DHS 144.04 and religious or personal-conviction waiver under DHS 144.05

Go Deeper

All Wisconsin requirementsThe full Wisconsin licensing overview.Compare all 50 statesSee immunization requirements side by side.Read the guidePractical how-to for this topic.

Generate a Wisconsin-Compliant Handbook

TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Wisconsin childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.

Wisconsin Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccines does Wisconsin require for childcare enrollment?

Wisconsin requires age-appropriate immunization records for: DTaP/DTP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Polio (IPV/OPV), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Hepatitis B (Hep B), Varicella (chickenpox) - reliable history of disease accepted per DHS 144.03(2)(g), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), PCV (pneumococcal conjugate), Required under the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law and ch. DHS 144 (DHS 144.03 minimum immunization requirements; child care centers must assess/report status of children age 2-4); written evidence due within 30 school days of admission; health/medical waiver under DHS 144.04 and religious or personal-conviction waiver under DHS 144.05.

Are immunization exemptions allowed in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Division of Early Care and Education.

When must immunization records be on file in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.

Wisconsin childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Wisconsin administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Division of Early Care and Education before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.