AB 698

Current law directs the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to

promulgate rules establishing standards for the operation of licensed child care

centers and standards for the certification of child care providers for purposes of

reimbursement under the Wisconsin Shares program (certified child care providers).

Under that directive, DCF has promulgated: 1) a rule requiring licensed child care

centers to allow a child under one year of age (infant) or a child at least one year of

age but less than two years of age (toddler) to form and follow his or her own pattern

of sleeping and waking; and 2) a rule requiring a certified child care provider to allow

a child to have undisturbed rest or a nap, when needed, in a place that is clean, safe,

and comfortable. This bill requires DCF to promulgate rules permitting an exception

to these rules upon the written request of the parent or guardian of the infant or

toddler or to protect the health, safety, or welfare of any child.