10/06/2025
Wisconsin's child care health rules can be extensive to read - but they're super important for keeping kids safe and providers compliant. Let's make sense of them together👇
(1) Health Exams
- Under 2 years: Exam within 6 months before or 3 months after enrollment -then every 6 months.
- 2 years & older: Exam within 2 years before or 3 months after - then every 2 years.
- Must be signed by a doctor, PA, or health check provider.
- Not required for kids 5+ or those exempt for religious/spiritual reasons.
(2) Immunization Records
- Must keep records for EVERY child in care - usually on the Wisconsin Immunization Record form or a printout from their doctor.
- Records show the child is up to date on vaccines required by WI law (Statute 252.04).
- Personal or religious exemptions must be documented via the exemption form and kept on file.
- All immunization records must be current and available for review by your certifying agency or public health officials.
(3) Medications
- Store all medicine (in it's original container) out of children's reach.
- Each container must be labeled with the child's name and dosage instructions.
-Need written guardian permission to administer meds - instructions must match the label.
(4) Handwashing Rules
- Providers must wash hands:
* After diapering, toileting, or helping a child use the bathroom.
* Before preparing or serving food.
* After handling pets or cleaning.
- Child must wash hands:
* Before eating.
* After toileting or touching pets/animals.
There is no sharing of cups, utensils, washcloths, or towels (during care hours).
(5) Diapering & Clothing
- Change wet or dirty diapers/clothes right away.
- Use a washable surface for diaper changes.
- Clean with soap, water, and a disinfectant after each use.
(6) Minor Injuries
- Clean cuts and scrapes with soap water only, then cover with a bandage.
(7) Illness & communicable Diseases
- If a child is diagnosed with a reportable communicable disease, you must:
* Notify local public health and all parents within 48 hours.
- Keep the child home until:
* A doctor says they're no longer contagious, or
* The longest incubation period has passed
* Check out this chart for more information:https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/p44397.pdf
All in all, these health standards are all about keeping your child care environment safe, sanitary and compliant - protecting every child's health (including your own).
All of DCF 202.08 standards can be found here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dcf/201_252/202/08
