FAQ

Each provider has the minimum state required qualifications and each one brings many benefits with their own individual qualifications that they have such as degrees, credentials, languages, and experience. Our staff complete continuing education annually to stay current in educational and caregiving practices. Please see our Meet the Team page for more information.

Please see our Curriculum page for more information

Please see our Enrollment page for more information

Please see our Rates/Payments/Scheduling page for more information

Headstart and its community partners focus is at-risk families to remove their barriers to success; low-income families, families in kinship care or foster care, American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start/Early Head programs offered in over 200 tribal communities, and Migrant/Seasonal Head Start programs. Headstart operates as it's own entity through the federal government and has it's own set of guidelines.

There is not a difference among the other terms. Organizations can operate or advertise as 2K, 3K, and 4K programs without being part of the below two situations. It is all in how these programs are termed by the organization itself.  

There is no WI DCF or school district recognized 3K program in Wisconsin. The only times 4K is different is when it is:

• operated in a licensed facility in collaboration with the school district. Then the program has to follow the guidelines set by DCF and those of the school district.
• operated as part of the WI DCF GET KIDS READY program. Then the program is still operated in a licensed facility and is in collaboration with WI DCF and the program has to follow the guidelines set by DCF.

Programs operated by religious institutions, often operating as 3K or 4K programs, do not have to be licensed by WI DCF. Therefore, they do not have to follow the same guidelines licensed organizations do and are not monitored by WI DCF. 

The quality is what is different. Some organizations operate more as a babysitter, some are a little more structured, and others operate at a higher quality level preparing children for school. This is why we recommend touring at least 3 places before settling on the best option for your family. 

Parents designate who can pick up their child. The persons listed on enrollment forms and emergency contact information are able to pick up as indicated. If the parent needs another person who is not listed on the paperwork to pick up their child, the parent should verbally inform their child's teacher and put it in writing either in the app, an email, or a note given to the center specifying the adults name who is picking up, the child's name who is being picked up, and when they will be picking up. Pick up persons will need to show ID and need to be at least 18 years of age.

WI DCF determines ratios for all legally operating centers. Current ratios as of July 2027 are as follows:

Birth to 18 months - 1:4 (.025 ratio) max group of 8

18 months to 2½ years - 1:7 (.143 ratio) max group of 14

 2½ Years to 3 Years - 1:8 (.125 ratio) max group of 16   

3 Years to 4 Years - 1:10 (.10 ratio) max group of 20   

4 Years to 5 Years - 1:13 (.077 ratio) max group of 26   

5 Years and Over - 1:18 (.056 ratio) max group of 36  

Please remember to dress your child for the work they will be doing; cutting, running, painting, jumping, etc. while getting dirty, exploring, and having fun.

For outside time:

• Season/weather appropriate attire.
• No crocs or flips flops for safety.
• In summer months, all children need a swimsuit and a towel.
• In winter months, all children need winter coats and snow pants or a snow suit, snow boots, gloves, and a hat. No scarves allowed to prevent strangulation hazards.

For daily care:

• Children 0-1 year need 1 plastic 3 prong folder at enrollment.
• Children 2+ years of age need a backpack and 2 plastic 3 prong folders at enrollment.
• Infants will need 3 bottles brought daily or left at our center to be washed and sanitized, an unopened can of formula if not providing breast milk or using center formula, or breast milk in labeled bottles or bags (label must include child's name, date expressed, and the approximate number of oz. Masking tape works well for labeling bottles).
• Children 1 year and older need a water bottle to go home daily.
• Children 16 months and older need a sleeping bag or crib sheet and a blanket for naptime.
• Children in the 4K classroom will need 1 supply box with 24 crayons, 4 glue sticks, 10 count markers, and 1 pair of scissors. We work on having kids be responsible for their own belongings. 

Children not potty-trained need:

• diapers or pull ups (at minimum at least enough for 10 per day)
• wipes (at minimum at least an 80 count pkg)
• 3 changes of clothing

Children who are potty trained need:

• 1 change of clothing

Optional items:

• Raincoats and rain boots
• Sunscreen (highly recommended) *under 2 sunscreens must specify for the age of the child it is for OR a doctors note needs to be provided stating it is ok to use that brand on the child if the manufacturers label isn't for the age of the child
• Bug Spray
• Toothbrush and toothpaste for 1yr and older (highly recommended)
• Art smock or oversized adult shirt - if you are ok with them painting and coloring in the clothes they come in, this is not necessary to provide.
• Any ointments or creams for diaper rash, eczema, etc.