53206 Early Care and Education Initiative Using resources provided in the most recent budget, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) intends to help people living in the 53206 zip code. Funds will support access to high-quality child care, as well as support the early childhood workforce. Workforce Pilot Using resources provided in the most recent budget, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) intends to increase access to high-quality early care and education for Milwaukee’s youngest learners in the 53206 zip code. As part of that effort, DCF is launching T.E.A.C.H. and Reward Program PLUS: a pilot project for the 53206 early childhood workforce. The pilot has two components: community-based early childhood coursework and professional development supports. DCF is providing this opportunity through community-based partners, MATC-Workforce Solutions and Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA). See below for details and how to apply! Community-based Early Childhood Coursework MATC-Workforce Solutions will offer two community-based early care and education courses for family child care providers, center-based teachers, and directors operating within the 53206. The two courses, beginning February of 2020, are: College Prep (General Academic Support) – this is a skills class designed to help students to complete college courses. This course will be offered February – March 2020. Infant Toddler Course 1 (Infant and Toddler Development) - this is the first class toward obtaining the Infant Toddler Credential. It will be offered March – May 2020. Course features include: In-person, as well as online components, A state-certified instructor and an Education Assistant will be onsite to provide academic support, Convenient locations within the 53206 zip code (exact locations to be determined), Maximum enrollment: 25 students Professional Development Support Pilot Program In partnership with MATC, WECA will offer professional development supports to the 53206 early care and education workforce, using enhanced T.E.A.C.H. scholarships and REWARD stipends. Program offerings include tuition for credit-based early childhood courses, professional development supports, and quality improvement activities. An enhanced T.E.A.C.H. scholarship will cover students’ Registry Application Fee, class tuition and fees, and professional development counseling. In addition, participating students will have access to child care, meals, and will receive a stipend to help with successful coursework completion and child care costs. Early childhood programs whose employees enroll in this program will be eligible for T.E.A.C.H. stipends and will receive reimbursement for up to 30 hours of staff release time. Employees who successfully complete this coursework will be eligible for a T.E.A.C.H. bonus. Child care teachers, directors, and family child care providers currently working in 53206 regulated child care programs will also be eligible for increased REWARD stipends. Learn more about the T.E.A.C.H. and REWARD Program-Plus. Download the 53206 Initiative T.E.A.C.H. and REWARD Program-Plus Flyer. For more information, or to obtain an application to participate in this pilot project, contact: Gina Hobbs, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood WI Scholarship Counselor ghobbs@wisconsinearlychildhood.org Toll-free: 800-783-9322 x 7253 Telephone: 608-729-1053 teach@wisconsinearlychildhood.org Increased Family Wisconsin Shares Subsidy Funding Increasing access and affordability of early care and education for children and families within the 53206 zip code requires support for local families. From February 2020 to May 2021, you will receive an increased Wisconsin Shares Subsidy amount for any of your children who are between birth and three-years-old. This increase will help reduce the “parent share” of your portion - the balance owed to your child care provider that isn’t covered by your Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy. The additional funding will be added monthly to your MyWIChildCare EBT card and will vary based upon whether your child(ren) attend full or part-time child care. Your Monthly Wisconsin Shares Subsidy will Increase Months Your MyWIChildCare EBT Card will Receive Additional Funding Full-time Subsidy Increase Part-time Subsidy Increase February 2020 through February 2021 $105 $79 March 2021 $79 $59 April 2021 $53 $40 May 2021 $26 $20 This funding effort is part of Governor Tony Evers’ 53206 Early Care and Education Initiative, which also is providing more resources to your child care provider and will impact the quality of care provided to your children. DCF mailed a letter and fact sheet to parents residing in 53206 who are receiving Wisconsin Shares. Parent Letter 01-31-2020 53206 Fact Sheet What if I have questions? If you reside in 53206 and have further questions that are specific to the 53206 Early Care and Education Initiative, please call the Milwaukee Early Care Administration to speak with a Parent Liaison at 1-414-615-6318. DCF will host upcoming parent information seminars to provide financial guidance on the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program and managing your child care costs.
