August 18 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.

Updated CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Programs

On August 11, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning. CDC's updated guidance replaces previous DHS guidance for K-12 schools and early care and education programs. DHS has updated its COVID-19 Case Notification Information for Schools and ECE Programs to reflect the CDC updates, which will be added to the DHS website.

Child care programs continue to play an important role in providing parents and guardians with information to protect the health of their children and families. We encourage programs to continue notifying parents/guardians of a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in their child’s room or when there is a confirmed or suspected facility-wide COVID-19 outbreak.

DCF strongly recommends child care programs follow the updated CDC guidance. However, we recognize the unique needs of communities, families, and child care programs and encourage you to assess the impacts of any decisions you make on the families you serve and needs of your program.

For questions, please visit DHS’s webpage or contact your licensing specialist or certification agency.

Additional resources/links:

CCC Stabilization Payment Program Round 2 Starts Monday, August 22

The Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program Round 2 Application Week begins next week, on August 22 – September 2. Prepare to complete the new Round 2 application, including answering the Feedback Questions and uploading documentation (child attendance and staff records) for the August Count Weeks of August 7-20.

July Child Care Counts payments will be available tomorrow via letters in the Child Care Provider Portal.

Important Reminders

  • You must complete and submit a new initial application to be eligible for ongoing monthly payments for Round 2.
  • If you applied in July, much of your information will be copied to the new application. Be sure to review this information carefully and update as needed when submitting the new application.
  • You must upload child and staff verification documents with your initial Round 2 application.

Have questions about your Payment Program status? We’re here to help! Please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and leave your detailed questions at 608-535-3650. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), too.

Child Care Counts Información en español.

Reminder: DECE is Hiring Multiple Positions

DCF/Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) is hiring.

  • Policy and Comms Specialist, in the Bureau of Operations and Planning
    This project position will serve as a principal program and policy analyst and will consult with and advise leadership regarding multiple large federal grants currently being implemented by the department. The deadline to apply for this position is August 23.
  • The Operations Section Manager is a professional supervisory position for providing management, supervision, coordination, and leadership in the implementation of regulatory activities and quality assurance of child care programs within the Bureau of Early Care Regulation. The deadline to apply for this position is August 24.

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.