August 4 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. YoungStar Transition Coming Soon In November 2021, DCF issued a Request for Proposal for the administration of the YoungStar Quality Rating and Improvement System, as part of the normal contracting cycle. Following extensive evaluation of proposals, DCF will contract with a new administrator, Shine Early Learning. We are currently finalizing the contract. Shine will administer all YoungStar services after completion of a transition period with the current YoungStar administrator, Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA). Shine Early Learning, SFTA, and DCF are all committed to working together on a smooth transition, with uninterrupted, high-quality YoungStar services. Although transition details are being finalized, it is important for us to communicate the following: Onsite consultation visits will continue to be an option within YoungStar for any program that requests it. DCF is committed to ensuring that all programs have access to onsite support now, and in the future. SFTA and the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies will continue providing: Resources and referrals for families and providers Trainings and technical assistance Support for tribal nations Pre-licensing activities Project Growth activities Shine Early Learning will be recruiting staff from within Wisconsin to ensure that regional and community knowledge continues within the program. Once a transition timeline is in place, more detailed information will be shared through DCF’s child care listserv, the YoungStar webpages, and stakeholder group meetings. Updated Voluntary Repayment Agreement (VPA) Guidance In the last year, VPA requests have increased significantly. Program Integrity is issuing guidance to providers clarifying when a VPA is needed. VPA should only be submitted when: Child is absent for 30 days or more Provider closures, except for closures up to 14 days related to COVID-19 exposure, and closures on legal holidays Contact childcare@wisconsin.gov with any questions. Child Care Counts July Application/Update Period Closed The latest payment program application period is closed. Applications for the July Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by August 19, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. The next application/update period (Round 2) is August 22 – September 2, 2022. Visit our webpage to see more information about Round 2, including important dates for August 2022 – April 2023, Round 2 Terms and Conditions, Non-Standard Hours Add-On, and more! Spending Reminder All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days of the date of your payment letter. Payments from March (payment letter date 4/8/2022) must be spent by 8/6/22. 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 to help you keep track of how you spend your Child Care Counts 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: New Background Check Notices The Background Check Quarterly Notice now reflects individuals past due for submitting fingerprints. The new Overdue Background Check Notice will follow a month after the Quarterly Notice for anyone who has not completed their fingerprints. Please review these notices carefully to avoid a non-compliance. Call the Child Care Background Unit with questions 608-422-7400. DECE is Hiring Multiple Positions DCF/Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) is hiring. Birth to Five Grant Programs Supervisor, in the Bureau of YoungStarThis position supports several special projects and federal initiatives that impact both the Bureau of YoungStar and the Division of Early Care and Education in general. The deadline to apply for this position is August 7. Three Preschool Development Grant and ARPA Program and Policy Analyst-Project positionsThese positions will create, refine, and implement policies and programs developed under these funding sources, including the prominent Child Care Counts program. The deadline to apply for these positions is August 14. License/Permit Program Associate Limited-Term Employment (LTE) position, in the Bureau of Early Care and EducationThis position provides complex and advanced paraprofessional, administrative, and program support for the child care background check section. The deadline to apply for this position is August 17. DCF offers flexibility for predominantly remote work, and staff can report to any of the DCF offices. View all open DCF positions at Wisc.Jobs.
