June 30 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. Tuesday Talks with DECE Recording Available Thank you to everyone who attended our first Tuesday Talks with DECE last week! We were thrilled with the attendance numbers and all the questions received. The link to the June 21 webinar about Child Care Counts is now available in the June 21 Child Care Counts accordion on the Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage. Tuesday Talks with DECE are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next webinar is July 19 at 1:30 p.m. and the topic will be Child Care Counts: Stabilization Round 2...What's New, What's Not, and Other Tips. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and learn about future topics. CACFP Update: Infant Formula Shortage The ongoing infant formula shortage due to supply chain issues, which worsened due to a major formula recall in February 2022, has left many Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators concerned about access to formula and their options for safely feeding infants in their care. USDA Food and Nutrition Services has developed Questions and Answers to support CACFP operators and the families they serve during this unprecedented and evolving situation. If you have questions, contact your assigned Nutrition Program Consultant. Or reference CACFP Bulletins for more information. Reminder: Child Care Counts June Application/Update Period Closed The latest payment program application period is closed. Applications for the June Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by July 15, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. The next application/update period is July 25-29, 2022. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. If you need assistance, 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. 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.
