May 24 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. Child Care Counts May Application/Update Period Closed The latest payment program application period is closed. Applications for the May Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by June 10, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. The next application/update period is June 20-24, 2022. 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 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to get answers to your questions. Child Care Counts Información en español. DHS Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses to Everyone 5 Years of Age and Older The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster dose 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccination series. With this recommendation, DHS and CDC now recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older. The CDC also recently strengthened another booster recommendation, encouraging people 12 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, and people 50 and older to get a second COVID-19 booster dose. See the DHS COVID-19 webpage for complete details. DHS Provides Tips for Families During National Infant Formula Shortage In response to the ongoing national infant formula shortage, DHS has tips for families dealing with the shortage and struggling to find substitute formulas. The formula shortage is the result of national supply chain issues and a recall of powdered formulas, which made it difficult for companies that make and distribute baby formula to keep up with demand. Due to the ongoing shortage, some stores are limiting the number of canned formula people can buy, and prices have also increased. View the entire news release for a list of tips for families dealing with the shortage. Final Reminder: Child Care Immunization Assessment Due May 31! DHS 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! Advancing Equity in Wisconsin’s Early Education Workforce - Study Early childhood educators, help advance a diverse and representative early childhood workforce in Wisconsin at all levels by participating in an equity study. It seeks to elevate the voices and lived experiences of early educators who identify as BIPOC – Black, Indigenous or Person of Color. Why Participate? You will help advance a diverse and representative early childhood workforce in Wisconsin at all levels through a focus on equitable policies and practices. This will ensure high-quality care that provides opportunities for all – children, families, and workers. You will help advance equity in Wisconsin’s early childhood workforce. You will receive a gift card for participating in this study. Criteria for Participation? Adults ages 18 years or older who work in the state of Wisconsin as an early education professional (i.e. family providers, group center assistant and lead teachers, group center directors and owners). Those who identify as BIPOC - Black, Indigenous or Person of Color. Available to meet for a one-hour interview, via ZOOM or in person. Learn more about the study here and how to participate or by contacting Toshiba Adams, Ph.D./Leader Researcher at EquityInWIECE@gmail.com. Para obtener una versión en español de Promoviendo la Equidad en la Fuerza Laboral de la Educación Temprana en Wisconsin, haga clic aqui. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Olga Neira al 608-729-1064. Reminder: Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in ECE Facilities After Temporary or Prolonged Closures Building closures lasting for weeks or months result in reduced water usage. This reduced usage can lead to stagnant water inside building plumbing and water coolers. Take proactive steps to protect the health of children and staff by flushing water prior to reopening. For more information and steps for maintaining water quality, be sure to review and use the resources below. EPA Resources Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use Restoring Water Quality in Buildings for Reopening Checklist CDC Resources Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation Lead and Copper in Building Systems with Low or No Use Legionella and Other Biofilm-Associated Bacteria 5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown If you have questions, please contact your licensing specialist or certification worker. Additional Resources Note: Updated COVID-19 outbreak guidance specific for Wisconsin child care settings from DHS is forthcoming and will be made available to child care providers throughout the state when it is published. Please continue to contact your local public health agency for COVID-19 related questions. See the list of COVID-19 resources on the COVID-19 child care listserv message archive webpage.
