Wisconsin Childcare Licensing
Wisconsin Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
Wisconsin childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. Each licensee and provider must satisfactorily complete at least 15 hours of qualifying continuing education annually (Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250.05(4)(c)1.).
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 TeamWisconsin Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
Before licensure or working with children, a family child care provider must complete an approved entry-level early childhood education course (3 credits or a department-approved non-credit course, the Registry Family Child Care Credential, or a Child Development Associate credential) and department-approved shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma training before working with children under 5
3 credits or a department-approved non-credit course, the Registry Family Child Care Credential, or a Child Development Associate credential
a department-approved infant/child CPR-AED certificate must be obtained within 3 months of licensure or hire, and at least 10 hours of department-approved infant and toddler care training within 6 months of caring for children under age 2 (Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250.05(3)(b), (e), (f), (g)).
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Each licensee and provider must satisfactorily complete at least 15 hours of qualifying continuing education annually (Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250.05(4)(c)1.).
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Wisconsin Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | Before licensure or working with children, a family child care provider must complete an approved entry-level early childhood education course (3 credits or a department-approved non-credit course, the Registry Family Child Care Credential, or a Child Development Associate credential) and department-approved shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma training before working with children under 5; a department-approved infant/child CPR-AED certificate must be obtained within 3 months of licensure or hire, and at least 10 hours of department-approved infant and toddler care training within 6 months of caring for children under age 2 (Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250.05(3)(b), (e), (f), (g)). |
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| Annual training | Each licensee and provider must satisfactorily complete at least 15 hours of qualifying continuing education annually (Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250.05(4)(c)1.). |
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Wisconsin Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does Wisconsin require?
Before licensure or working with children, a family child care provider must complete an approved entry-level early childhood education course (3 credits or a department-approved non-credit course, the Registry Family Child Care Credential, or a Child Development Associate credential) and department-approved shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma training before working with children under 5; a department-approved infant/child CPR-AED certificate must be obtained within 3 months of licensure or hire, and at least 10 hours of department-approved infant and toddler care training within 6 months of caring for children under age 2 (Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250.05(3)(b), (e), (f), (g)).
How many annual training hours does Wisconsin require?
Each licensee and provider must satisfactorily complete at least 15 hours of qualifying continuing education annually (Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250.05(4)(c)1.).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward Wisconsin training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Division of Early Care and Education before relying on it for your annual total.
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.