Child Care Staffing in Wisconsin

Permanent recruiting for preschools and child care centers across Wisconsin.

Diverse group of preschoolers raising their hands
Hiring in Wisconsin

Hiring here is different

YoungStar

Your YoungStar rating drives your Wisconsin Shares quality adjustment, which dropped to 8% for 4 Star and 16% for 5 Star programs in February 2026. Keeping qualified teachers is how you hold your rating, so we ask every candidate about their Registry credentials.

DCF 251

Wisconsin’s center rules (DCF 251) require child care teachers to be 18 with a high school diploma, 240 hours of experience and a training option such as 4 ECE credits, a CDA or a Registry credential. The revised rules took effect August 1, 2026, so it’s worth taking a fresh look at your staffing plan.

4K and Get Kids Ready

4K Community Approach classrooms need a DPI-licensed teacher, while the new Get Kids Ready program for 2026-27 runs at licensed and certified child care sites and asks for a lead teacher with an associate or bachelor’s degree in any field instead. You can’t do both in the same year, and the choice changes who you can hire. We recruit for both.

19,090 child care staff

Wisconsin has the 16th-largest child care center workforce in the country.

1,508 child care centers

Private centers with paid staff across the state.

$30,595 average pay

Average annual pay per child care employee in 2025, including part-time staff (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Toddlers playing with musical instruments at a table

Wisconsin FAQs

What schools in Wisconsin ask us most.

WHAT ROLES DO YOU RECRUIT IN WISCONSIN?

We recruit for every role in Wisconsin centers, from lead and assistant teachers to cooks, assistant directors, center directors and regional leaders. Every hire is a permanent placement on your payroll.

WHERE IN WISCONSIN DO YOU RECRUIT?

Anywhere in the state, including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Kenosha and Eau Claire.

WHAT DO CHILD CARE STAFF EARN IN WISCONSIN?

Child care employees in Wisconsin averaged $30,595 a year in 2025, including part-time staff, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay depends on the role, credentials and the school.

WHAT DOES A CENTER DIRECTOR NEED IN WISCONSIN?

Directors must be 21 with a high school diploma. For 50 or fewer children, they need 240 hours as a teacher or assistant teacher plus a preservice option such as 4 ECE credits, a Registry credential or a CDA. For 51 or more children, they need 2 years as a teacher or director plus a preservice option such as 8 ECE credits or a Registry credential. Directors without a degree also complete Registry Administrator Credential coursework. See the full Wisconsin director rules.

WHAT DOES A TEACHER NEED IN WISCONSIN?

Child care teachers must be 18 with a high school diploma, 240 hours as an assistant teacher, and a training option before starting, such as ECE credits, DCF courses, a Registry credential, a CDA, a degree or a teaching license. Teachers complete 15 training hours a year. See the full Wisconsin teacher rules.

WHAT IS YOUNGSTAR IN WISCONSIN?

YoungStar rates programs from 1 to 5 stars, and programs that serve Wisconsin Shares families must take part. 4 Star and 5 Star programs earn a quality adjustment on Shares payments.

HOW FAST CAN YOU START?

We contact you within 24 hours of your request, and our sourcing team starts after a short intake call. Book a call to talk through your open roles.

Our process

We can help and this is how

We handle the search so you can run your school. From single classrooms to multi-site networks, we find the people who fit.

2. Sourcing
Our Sourcing Team finds educators who match your needs through resume reviews and outreach, saving you time.
4. Submittal
We provide recruiter notes and educator resumes so you can review the candidates who best match your needs.
1. Intake Call
We learn about the school’s openings, required qualifications, hard and soft skills, preferences, and culture.
3. Review & Screen
Our Recruiters conduct initial phone screenings with the educators who meet your criteria.
5. Interview Coordination
Our Account Managers arrange virtual or in-person interviews with your selected educators.

Find the right people now

Schedule a consultation and we will show you how to fill your open roles with passionate educators.