November 17 Child Care Provider Updates A listserv message will not be sent on Thursday, November 24 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. DCF Division of Early Care and Education Administrator Update from Erin Arango-Escalante It is with mixed emotions that I share this news - I will be closing my chapter as DECE Administrator at the end of the year and beginning to write a new chapter. The details of my new chapter are only a draft; however, I know that I miss working directly with children, families, and communities and I want to continue this work from a new perspective. I’ve taken the past few days to reflect on what YOU have accomplished over the past four years and during a pandemic. You did the hard work of caring for and educating Wisconsin’s children, thank you! Although there’s work to be done, we are in a different place now. My hope is that the bright spotlight currently on early care and education will continue to shine. We must make sure each and every one of you – the workforce behind America’s workforce who directly impact children, families, and communities – remain at the forefront. There is traction on professionalizing the field and appropriately compensating those who do one of the most important jobs, caring for and educating our future leaders. Finally, thank you for sharing your stories, providing feedback, and allowing me to learn from you during my time at DCF. I am a different leader than I was almost 4 years ago, and I thank you for being an ally, partner, and colleague. Update for K-12 and Early Child Care Settings: Increased Spread of Multiple Respiratory Viruses Among Children and Adults in Wisconsin Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) show respiratory viruses are spreading rapidly in Wisconsin. In recent weeks, the number of new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu), and COVID-19 cases have all increased. People at the greatest risk of getting sick from these viruses include: Children Older adults People with weakened immune systems This is the first year these three viruses are circulating simultaneously. RSV and influenza activity is uncharacteristically high for this time of year and hospitalizations due to respiratory viruses are increasing in some parts of Wisconsin. Prevention DHS strongly recommends all Wisconsinites ages 6 months and older get their COVID-19 and flu vaccine. People can get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. Everyone 5 years and older should also get an updated COVID-19 booster when eligible. People who are sick should talk to a doctor about getting tested for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, or other respiratory viruses. If someone tests positive or has symptoms, they should stay home and away from others. Children who attend school or early childcare programs should follow school exclusion criteria if they test positive or have symptoms for a respiratory illness that would prevent them from participating in usual school or childcare program activities. Everyday actions can also prevent the spread of these viruses: Washing your hands often with soap and water Cover coughs and sneezes Staying home when ill Resources DHS Health Alert #51: Increased Spread of Multiple Respiratory Viruses Among Children and Adults in Wisconsin Respiratory Virus Surveillance Reports: 2022-2023 | Wisconsin Department of Health Services Child Care Counts – Updates and Reminders: Next Week is Update/Application Week Next week – November 21-29 – is the November Child Care Counts Update/Application Week. Prepare to update your child attendance and staff records so you don’t miss out on any funding. The next Child Care Counts Update/Application week has been extended and will be open from November 21-29. This extended Update Week is for the November application only. You must review, update, and resubmit your application every month. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. Be sure to carefully review the child and staff lists for attendance and payroll status during the Count Week and hit “submit” once you have completed your review/update. If you do not wish to receive payments, you must withdraw your application during Update Week. Watch the How to Apply videos to view step-by-step instructions on how to submit your application. Review the Updating Your Child Care Counts Information During Update Week video to learn how to make application modifications during Update Week. Applications for the October Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by November 18, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot Add-On Amount Begins with October Payment Round (Payment Letter date November 18, 2022)Beginning with the October Update/Application Week, a new Program A add-on amount for providers caring for children participating in the Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot was added. This additional amount was automatically added to eligible providers’ payments, and providers do not need to include any additional information in their application. The additional payment will be reflected on Payment Letters beginning November 18, 2022. Children must be participating in the Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot for providers to be eligible for the add-on. Providers do not need to take any additional action on their Child Care Counts Application. This add-on is automatically added for eligible providers. This is a Payment Program A add-on, and follows the same spending timeframe and allowable use of funds as Program A. See Terms and Conditions for more information. See the Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot Add-On section of the webpage for more information. If you need assistance, email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and leave your detailed questions at 608-535-3650. Child Care Counts Información en español. Upcoming Parent Place Webinars Parenting Through the Holidays WebinarThe holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. Stop by our Parenting for the Holidays webinar and hear some tips for parents to help you and your kids enjoy the season! Join us on Thursday, December 8 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Webinar fee is $10. Virtual Three-Session Series on Adult Anger Join Parents Place for a virtual 3-session series on Adult Anger. Explore common causes of anger, learn how to manage your emotions, and find techniques that will help you control your actions before they hurt someone or yourself. Tuesdays at 5:30-7 p.m., 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 Register for both webinars today. Questions? Contact Ann-Marie St John at the Parent Place. 262-549-5574, ext. 244. Learn more about Parent Place. DCF is Hiring Several Positions The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau of Early Care Regulation, is hiring an Office Manager in their southeastern region. This position is responsible for the administrative operation of the regional/district office and includes supervision of program support staff. This position is headquartered at our 141 N.W. Barstow Street, Waukesha, WI location and will have the option of working remote 90 percent of the time. The deadline to apply for this position is November 23, 2022. The Division of Early Care and Education, Milwaukee Early Care Administration, is hiring several Child Care Subsidy Specialists. These positions will authorize child care for parents and providers by reviewing child care eligibility, ensuring the parent has provided accurate and complete verification documents, applying appropriate state and federal policies, and completing authorizations. The positions are headquartered at our Milwaukee office and will have the option of working remote up to five days per week. The deadline to apply for this position is November 29, 2022. View all open DCF positions at Wisc.Jobs.
