Chapter DCF 252 - Day Camps For Children

Sections HSS 55.01 to 55.44 as they existed on October, 1984 were repealed and new sections HSS 55.01 to 55.44 were created effective November 1, 1984. Corrections made under s. 13.93(2m) (b) 6 and 7., Stats., Register, January, 1997, No. 493. Chapter HSS 55 was renumbered chapter HFS 55 under s. 13.93(2m) (b) 1, Stats., and corrections made under s. 13.93(2m) (b)7, Stats., Register, February, 1997, No. 494. Chapter HFS 55 was renumbered to chapter DCF 252 under s. 13.92(4) (b) 1, Stats., Register November 2008 No. 635.

Preface

Section 48.65, Stats., requires that persons who provide, for compensation, care and supervision for 4 or more children under 7 years of age for less than 24 hours a day must be licensed by the department.

The same statute directs the department to establish rules which must be met for a person to qualify for a license and which protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the children in a day care center. Chapter DCF 252 represents the minimum level of acceptable care that a licensee is to provide to children in a day camp in Wisconsin. Chapter DCF 250 represents the minimum level of acceptable care that a licensee is to provide to children in a family day care center serving 4 to 8 children. Chapter DCF 251 represents the minimum level of acceptable care that a licensee is to provide to children in a group day care center serving 9 or more children. The rules should not be confused with accreditation by professional organizations which is based upon conformity with ideal rather than minimal standards.

Chapter DCF 252 also references standards and procedures for determining compliance of day care programs established by school boards with licensing standards.

Clearly, the fact that a day camp is licensed in no way diminishes the responsibility of parents for vigilance in seeing that their children are receiving care which protects their physical well-being and encourages healthy intellectual and emotional development.