May 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.

DCF Celebrates Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

Dropping a son or daughter off at a child care center never gets easier for parents, but thanks to the dedication, love and care from child care providers, parents are able to ease their minds as they head to work to support their families. From center directors and staff to family child care providers, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) joins agencies across the nation on May 6 in recognizing these outstanding individuals on National Provider Appreciation Day.

Nearly 4,600 licensed providers care for thousands of children in Wisconsin. Providers play a crucial role in children’s lives by providing not only basic care like feeding and diaper changes, but also helping them reach developmental milestones through age-appropriate, educational activities. Read more in the DCF press release.

Educators: Apply to Serve on the Commission on Professional Excellence in ECE

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and partner organizations are seeking early educators to serve on the Commission on Professional Excellence in ECE that will advance the Unifying Framework for the ECE profession. More information on the Commission is available here. Commission membership criteria are available in a press release (more info in Spanish) Apply in English or Spanish. Applications are due by Friday, May 27.

Let’s make sure that the expertise of Wisconsin early educators is represented on this important Commission.

Reminder: May Child Care Counts Application/Update Period Starts in Two Weeks

This week and next week are the May Count Weeks for Child Care Counts. The next application/update period is May 16-20, 2022. Prepare to update your staff and child records. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks.

Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds for their April application by May 13, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

New Child Care Counts Audit and Review Process Video Available

Check out our latest training video: Child Care Counts Audit and Overview Training Video. This is a 15-minute general overview of the Audit and Review Process. The audio is in English, but Spanish closed captions are available.

See our Resources section for helpful videos, guides, and tools.

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 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to get answers to your questions.

Child Care Counts Información en español.