April 5 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. Week of the Young Child – April 2-8 This week is the Week of the Young Child (WOYC)! Let’s celebrate early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Check out the WOYC activities and learn more on the NAEYC website. DHS Mask Stockpile Now Open to Child Care Providers Regulated child care providers who need of multi-layer or KN-95 masks for children age four to 12 can now contact their local public health department to make a request from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) stockpile. Masks will be provided for current enrollment only and while supplies last. If you have any questions, please contact your local public health department. Ensure Your Child Care Provider Portal Information is Accurate Child care providers are reminded to regularly update their program’s information in the Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) to ensure the individuals listed include only current or prospective employees or household members. DCF conducts ongoing compliance monitoring based on information entered in the Portal, so accuracy is important. Inaccurate information also may impact eligibility for potential funding opportunities in the future. For more information about updating your CCPP account, review the Child Care Provider Portal Tip Sheet. If you have questions, please contact your licensing or certification specialist. You can also contact the Child Care Background Unit by email to DCFPlicBECRCBU@wisconsin.gov or by calling 608-422-7400. April 11-15 is the Next Child Care Counts Application/Update Period The next Child Care Counts application/update period is next week – April 11-15, 2022. Prepare to update your staff and child records as needed next week. You will be notified of your eligibility for March funds by Friday, April 8, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. What’s New? View this step-by-step Spending Tool training video to learn tips and tricks for organizing and tracking how you spend your Child Care Counts You may download the Spending Tool Excel spreadsheet (see Tools Section below) to help you keep track of how you spent Child Care Counts funds. Other Helpful Tools and Resources How Payments are Determined shows the March payment dates and amounts. See the Provider Informational Training Module in the Resources section as your all-in-one guide to Child Care Counts. See the FAQs about YoungStar Quality Incentive payments through Child Care Counts. Reminder: Child Care Counts Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days of receipt. November 2021 payments (payment letter date December 10, 2021) must be spent by April 9, 2022. 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. Cost of Care Survey Closing Soon – Return Yours Today Several months ago, you received a Cost of Care survey from your CCR&R. The April 30 deadline is quickly approaching. If you haven’t already completed your survey due so now. Got questions? Contact your local CCR&R. Child Care Immunization Assessment The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has mailed the 2022 Child Care assessment booklet to all licensed child care centers and day camps. The booklet includes instructions for completing this assessment. Please submit this assessment online by May 31, 2022, and email Laura Gregor with any questions. Thank you for your cooperation and partnership!
