February 3 Child Care Provider Updates

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) will send updates to everyone who has subscribed to the DCF Child Care listserv.
 

DCF is Hiring – Child Care Licensing Program Specialist

DCF is recruiting to fill a Child Care Licensing Program Specialist in the Bureau of Early Care Regulation. This position may allow remote work for a portion of the work schedule up to 95% depending on the employee’s preference and needs of the work unit. DCF offers great benefits, personal growth opportunities, work-life balance as a State of Wisconsin employee, and the intrinsic reward associated with serving the children and families of Wisconsin. Learn more about the position. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on February 8, 2022.
 

Wisconsin Family Child Care Association 40th Conference

WFCCA is hosting its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay on April 28-30, 2022, including Keynote "Play is Learning" by Penny Chase. Register to attend the conference today! Questions? Email WISfccaconference@gmail.com. Visit the Wisconsin Family Child Care website for more information.
 

Reminder: Wisconsin Shares Rate Increase Started January 1, 2022

Effective January 1, 2022, many families saw an increase in the monthly Wisconsin Shares subsidy amount on their MyWIChildCare EBT card. This increase will be reflected in benefits issued after January 1, 2022.

Please share this information with the families in your child care program. Questions about the amount of funding on their EBT card should be directed to their local agency. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions for parents, child care providers, and agency workers.

Note:

  • You can review the prices in the Provider Portal for you by clicking the Prices button on the Financial page or Facility Details page, or by selecting Prices under the Manage Facility heading in the Navigation Menu.
  • If the prices you have reported to Wisconsin Shares are lower than the new rates, families will not see an increase in their subsidy amount.
  • If and when you change your rates, remember to update your Written Payment Agreements with your families, so they are aware of any changes to their out-of-pocket expenses for child care.
  • See the Wisconsin Shares Rate Increase page for more information.
     

Reminder: February Child Care Counts Application/Update Week is February 14-18

January 30 through February 12 are the February Count Weeks. The February application/update week is February 14-18. January applications/updates are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by February 11, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks.

If you need help or have questions about your Payment Program status, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and leave your detailed questions at 608-535-3650. Check out our recently updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to get answers to your questions.

Child Care Counts Información en español.