Authority, purpose, applicability, and exceptions

Authority, purpose, applicability, and exceptions. (1) Authority and purpose. This chapter is promulgated under the authority of s. 48.651 (1d) , Stats., to establish standards for the certification of persons who provide child care for 1 to 3 children. The standards are intended to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of children in the care of these providers. (2) Applicability. Subject to sub. (3) , this chapter applies to certification agencies, applicants for certification, and certified child care operators who are not licensed to operate a family child care center under ch. DCF 250 and are not required to be licensed as a child care center under s. 48.65 , Stats. Certification agencies and certified child care operators shall comply with all applicable laws and the requirements of this chapter. (3) Exceptions. (a) A certified child care operator may submit to the certification agency a written request for an exception to a requirement of this chapter with a justification for the requested action and an alternative to meet the intent of the requirement. (b) A certification agency may grant a request for an exception submitted under par. (a) if a certified child care operator demonstrates to the satisfaction of the certification agency that granting the exception will not jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of any child in care. A certification agency may not grant an exception to a statutory requirement.