COVID-19 2021 Child Care Listserv Message Archive

View BECR's new voluntary policy template called Policy Sample – Emergency Plan Regulated Child Care. Register for the WCCAA Early Childhood Mini-Conference. Updated MECA contact phone number.

Attend a webinar to learn more about and help others learn about the Child Tax Credit. Updated MECA contact phone number.

Remember your spending timeframe for Child Care Counts Emergency funds. Apply for a Workforce Innovation Grant. Updated MECA contact phone number.

Reminder: review the MECA contact phone number update. Updated Wisconsin Shares eligibility and authorization process guide. DCF is hiring to fill an IS Business Automation Specialist position. 

Review the MECA contact phone number update. Updated Wisconsin Shares eligibility and authorization process guide. DCF is hiring to fill an IS Business Automation Specialist position. Attend these events: Great Lakes Apple Crunch, WCCAA Early Childhood Mini-Conference, and Wisconsin's Statewide DAP Virtual Summit. 

Review the MECA contact phone number update. Updated Wisconsin Shares eligibility and authorization process guide. Attend the Great Lakes Apple Crunch event. Amended Operations Memo 21-18 - Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy for the 2021-2022 school year. DCF is recruiting to fill an IS Business Automation Specialist position. WEESSN Tier 1 offered for free.

Read the amended Operations Memo 21-18 - Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy for the 2021-2022 school year. DCF is recruiting to fill an IS Business Automation Specialist position. Child Care Partnership is hosting the annual Early Learning Conference. Last chance to take the new ARPA survey regarding child care funding. 

Remember to take the new ARPA survey regarding child care funding. Sign up for WEESSN Tier 1 services for free. Remember to report temporary COVID-19 closures using the Child Care Provider Portal. 

Take the new ARPA survey regarding child care funding. Learn about new provider portal updates and enhancements. The Registry changed its name to Wisconsin Registry. Remember to report temporary COVID-19 closures using the Child Care Provider Portal. 

Learn how the DWD Apprenticeship Program makes a difference in the lives of children. Attend the 2021 Wisconsin Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Virtual Conference October 11-12. Licensed and certified child care programs have the option to order COVID-19 testing supplies. Register for the November 5 WCCCAA Early Childhood Mini-Conference. 

Read about funding opportunities for early care and education providers.

Review the list of updated child care licensing and certification forms and publications. Apply for the Workforce Innovation Grant Program - deadline is October 25. The 2021 WECA Virtual Conference is September 30-October 2. Register for the November 5 WCCCAA Early Childhood Min-Conference. Check out the great Back to School Resources for Parents from DHS. Four days left to get a $100 VISA gift card when you get your COVID-19 vaccination.

Apply for Workforce Innovation grants! Check out the many early childhood conferences coming up in September, October, and November! Download and read the new Child Care Provider Portal/Background Check Tip Sheet to help stay in compliance. One week left to get a $100 gift card just for getting a COVID-19 vaccination. 

Attend the 2021 WECA Conference Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. New Child Care Provider Portal/Background Check Tip Sheet available. New Emergency Preparedness Resources available. DHS provides back to school resources for parents and guardians. Attend Wisconsin’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Virtual Summit. There's still time to take advantage of the Vaccine Rewards Program extension. Updated recommendations on mask wearing and COVID-19 guidance for child care providers

Extension: Get your $100 gift card from the COVID-19 Vaccine Rewards Program! Learn about updated licensing rules (with commentary). Reminder: update your Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP). Attend the WI Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Virtual Conference this October. DCF is recruiting for two positions.

Get your $100 gift card from the COVID-19 Vaccine Rewards Program! Reminder: In accordance with CDC health guidelines, DCF continues to recommend wearing masks and social distancing at child care centers. This helps stop the spread of COVID-19 and protects the health of younger children. DCF is recruiting for two positions.

DCF is recruiting for several positions. We offer great benefits, personal growth opportunities, and work-life balance.

Apply for the Main Street Bounceback Grants program for businesses who move into vacant properties in downtown and commercial corridors in WI. Learn about claiming tax credits for employers who provide paid leave for vaccination. Read about the staff positions that DCF is recruiting for around the state. 

Learn more about the open Human Resources Supervisor position with DCF. Refresh your knowledge on management of illness in early care and education (ECE) settings.

Download the CFOC Signs and Symptoms Chart and learn about managing illness in your ECE program. Register for the free Sleeves Up for the Kids webinar on August 25. Learn about Celebrating Seasonality webinar on August 25 and get your farm to ECE recipe guide! Reminder - as COVID-19 cases increase across the state, please follow the updated CDC guidance on mask wearing. 

Review the licensing rules regarding communicable disease reporting requirements. Updates to the Technology Access Program available. New guide for Wisconsin-grown recipes for ECE sites. Attend Wisconsin’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Virtual Summit. Updates to child care licensing continuing education requirements for 2021. Round 1 Workforce Retention checks are being mailed. Applications are still being processed.

Read about updates to child care licensing continuing education requirements for 2021. Round 1 Workforce Retention checks are being mailed. Applications are still being processed. August 18 deadline to apply for Family Resource Navigator. Orders continue to be processed for Technology Access Program. Review updated recommendations on mask wearing and COVID-19 guidance for child care providers.

Read the updated Back to School Guidance for child care providers. DCF is recruiting for an attorney position located in one of several Wisconsin DCF offices. Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend applications are still being processed. Technology Access Program orders are still being processed. 

Learn about the funding for a Family Resource Navigator as part of the 53206 Initiative. Complete your BIF and send it to your CCR&R today! Reminder: DCF Program Supervisor position applications are due August 10. Read the updated recommendations on mask wearing and the COVID-19 guidance for child care providers. 

Learn about the COVID-19 testing supplies available for child care providers. Read the updated Workforce Retention and Recognition payment information. Reminder: Complete your BIF and send it back to you CCR&R today. Reminder: Update your Provider Portal information now! DCF is recruiting for a Program Supervisor position in Madison. 

Read the updated CDC guidance for mask wearing. Learn how the PDG Needs Assessment Sandbox is growing. Reminder: Understand the rules about how virtual school-age children can receive Wisconsin Shares child care authorizations. 

Reminders: Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy for 2021-22 school year;  the Technology Access Program orders are still being processed; Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend applications continue to be processed. 

Read about Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy back to school updates. Sign up to receive electronic communications in your Child Care Provider Portal! Reminder - Workforce Retention applications are still being processed. Reminder - Technology Access orders are still being processed. Check your Child Care Provider Portal messages to see if you are part of a random sample of providers for an audit and review. 

Technology Access Program orders are still being processed. Continue checking you email for updates. Workforce Retention and Recognition applications are being processed. Check will be issued in late July. Child Care Counts audits and reviews begin this week. 

Read about the grant opportunities for child care providers - Gov. Evers is investing $130 million to address post-pandemic workforce needs. Get ready for the new school year by reading the Updated Back to School Guidance for child care providers.  Reminder - mask wearing and social distancing help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of younger children. 

Read about the Updated Back to School Guidance for child care providers. Reminder - WAN is offering school-age only staff and alternative pathway to become qualified as a child care teacher. 

The Wisconsin Afterschool Network is offering school-age staff training opportunities. If you received Child Care Counts Emergency Funds, the deadline to spend that money is December 31, 2021. Please continue to wear masks and social distance in child care centers. 

Sign up for the July 8 Birth to Three stakeholder input session. Save the date for the Oct. 11-12 WI Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Virtual Conference. Take time to update your Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) so families are seeing correct information about your center. Got questions about Child Care Counts payment programs? Visit the Child Care Counts FAQs! 

DHS is offering COVID-19 testing support for licensed/certified child care providers. Eligible parents will start receiving a Child Care Tax Credit starting in July. Wisconsin Shares temporary subsidy increase has ended. Mask wearing and social distancing guidance continues for child care programs. Closed programs: Child Care Counts - payments have been sent out; Technology Access - orders are being processed; and Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend - checks will be issued in July, following application verification.

June 30: Deadline for spending Supplementary Child Care Counts AND the temporary Wisconsin Shares Increase ends. Child Care Counts Response and Relief payments have gone out. The Technology Access and Workforce Retention Programs have closed. Orders are being processed and checks for Workforce will go out in July. 

Workforce Retention and Recognition Program closes at 5 p.m. June 25. Payment information for Child Care Counts is in the Provider Portal. The Technology Access Program is closed. Reminder: Wisconsin Shares Temporary Subsidy Increase Ending June 30. DCF is Hiring. Continue mask wearing and social distancing. Reminder - Ready4K program is free - just sign up!

DHS Supports COVID-19 Testing for Licensed/Certified Child Care Programs. Round 2 of Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend Program Closes at 5 p.m. Child Care Counts: Response and Relief Payments Information in Provider Portal June 25. June 30 Deadline Approaching for Child Care Counts Spending Timeframe. Beyond the Classroom RFP is now available. The Technology Access Program is Closed. Reminder: Wisconsin Shares Temporary Subsidy Increase Ending June 30. DCF is Hiring.

Two days left to order from the Technology Access Program! Reminder: the Wisconsin Shares temporary increase ends June 30. Providers can register for new entry-level classes through the Wisconsin Child Care Business Initiative. Free Farm to ECE Webinar on June 23. Reminder: Child Care Counts Response and Relief Program is closed. Round 2 of the Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend Program is open until June 25. Reminder: Guidance on mask wearing and social distancing.

Child Care Counts application period is closed. Watch the Provider Portal for payment information. Round 2 of Workforce R&R is open through June 25. This is the last week to apply for the Technology Access Program. June 30 is the deadline for the Child Care Counts spending timeframe for Supplementary Funds. DECE/MECA is hiring for multiple Child Care Subsidy Specialist positions. Deadline to apply is June 28!

Child Care Counts and Round 1 of Workforce R&R close tomorrow! Apply today! Ordering deadline for the Technology Access Program is June 18. Reminder - mask wearing and social distancing at child care centers. DCF is hiring. 

Child Care Counts and Round 1 of the Workforce  Program closes June 11 - apply today!  Just 10 Days left to order from the Technology Access Program. Spending timeframe for Child Care Counts Supplementary funds is June 30, 2021. Learn more about the CACFP in monthly Tuesday Talks. DCF is hiring - check out our latest job posting.

Read about the new information flow between DCF and CCR&R systems! Child Care Counts application period is open between now and June 11. The fingerprint background check deadline has passed. Apply for the Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend Program (Round 1) now through June 11. Order your free technology devices through the Technology Access Program through June 18. Reminder - guidance on mask wearing and social distancing. 

New round of Child Care Counts launched today! Apply now through June 11. Today is the Fingerprint Background Check deadline! Reminders: apply for the Workforce Retention and Recognition Program (Round 1 - now through June 11); place your order for free technology devices through the Technology Access Program; sign up to attend the Wisconsin Child Care Business Initiative courses; Wisconsin Shares Temporary subsidy increase runs through June 30. 

A new round of Child Care Counts starts June 1-11! Apply for the Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend Program Round 1 (May 24 - June 11). Place your order for free technology devices through the Technology Access Program - now through June 18. Sign up for the Wisconsin Child Care Business Initiative courses. Four days left to get your fingerprint background checks - June 1 is the deadline. Provide comments on the proposed CCDF Plan on June 1. Now is the time to update your Child Care Provider Portal information. Reminder - read the updated guidance on mask wearing and social distancing. Did you know that sending parents and caregivers strengths-based parenting support text messages every week can make a big difference?

Two new programs launched: Workforce Retention and Recognition Stipend Program and Technology Access Program. Apply today! Read about the steps needed to ensure Wisconsin Shares authorizations continue when your program is making changes. June 1 deadline for fingerprint background checks is a week away. Don't risk losing your eligibility and license.  Reminder: Public hearing on June 1 from 1-3 p.m.

As announced in the April 8 press release and funded by Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, DCF is launching two new programs to provide financial incentives to the child care workforce and access to technology. In order to implement these two programs, DCF is partnering with Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) and Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA) to ensure all eligible providers and educators can apply for these programs.

Read the latest guidance update on mask wearing and social distancing for child care programs. Get ready for two new programs supporting Wisconsin's child care providers. Reminder: Fingerprint background checks are due by June 1. Reminder: CPR/AED training is available. 

June 1 is the deadline for fingerprint background checks! Get yours today! Update your Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) Information with current rates. Reminder - Child Care Counts Supplementary funds must be spent by June 30, 2021. Reminder - CPR/AHD training is available from approved providers and courses. AHT Training is now available in Spanish!

Make sure your CPR/AED training is from approved sources! Child Care Counts payment information is in the CCPP. June 1 is right around the corner - get your fingerprint background check today! Learn more about the upcoming public hearing about the Wisconsin CCDF Plan for 2022-24. DCF is recruiting for a PDF Researcher - apply by May 25. DHS is still offering onsite vaccination clinics. Face masks are still required at child care centers. AHT training is now available in Spanish!

Look for your Child Care Counts payment information in the Child Care Provider Portal! Fingerprint background checks must be submitted by June 1. Don't delay - get your fingerprint background check today! Onsite vaccination clinics available. See the DHS website for more information. Online Abusive Head Trauma Prevention training is now available in Spanish. DCF is recruiting - apply for the PDG Researcher position. 

Sign up for a free Registry membership coupon - while funding lasts. There's only 25 days left to complete your fingerprint background check - the deadline is June 1, 2021. Reminder - stay safe and continue to use face masks at your child care center. Watch for Child Care Count payment eligibility letters in the Provider Portal the week of May 10.  May 7 is Provider Appreciation Day! Thank you to all teachers and child care providers for making a difference for the children and families of Wisconsin. 

Share your thoughts about DCF's Child Care Development Plan for FFY 2022-24! The current round of Child Care Counts funding closed on April 30. Payment eligibility notifications will be available the week of May 10. Thank a teacher or child care provider this week - it's Teacher Appreciation Week! Be sure to update your Provider Portal to ensure DCF has your most current information. DECE is recruiting for two PDG project positions. Reminder - the Wisconsin Shares Temporary Subsidy Increase goes through June 30. 

Only two more days to apply for Child Care Counts! Log on to the Provider Portal and apply today! DCF is recruiting to fill two Preschool Development Grant (PDG) positions. The Fingerprint Background Check deadline is June 1! Be sure you and your staff remain eligible to work in child care. Ready4K text messages are free for all families with children ages 0-5. Sign up your families today. Reminder: face coverings are still required to be worn at child care centers. 

Get your Child Care Counts payment application in today! The application period closes April 30. Save the date for the upcoming WECA Virtual Conference - Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Register for the Circles of Life Virtual Conference May 6-7.

Read about upcoming virtual conferences and professional development opportunities! Face coverings are still required at child care centers; apply for Child Care Counts by April 30; register for the Spanish Child Care Counts webinar; make your fingerprint appointment by June 1.

The latest application period of Child Care Counts payments is open now through April 30! Join us at a Spanish webinar to learn  how to apply for Child Care Counts; learn about the free resource to help parents and caregivers with parenting support; Save the date: 2021 Circles of Life Virtual Conference on May 6-7; read the latest FAQs about COVID-19 for child care providers.

Get ready for the next Child Care Counts payment program that launches on April 19! Read about the free version of the licensing inquiry packet that is now available online; get the latest COVID-19 child care provider information and read the updated FAQs to help keep children in your care safe; make sure you and your staff are still wearing face coverings at your facility; apply for the DCF program supervisor position in Waukesha; remember to get your fingerprint appointment by the June 1 deadline; and save the date on your calendar to attend the 2021 Wisconsin Family Child Care Conference.

Learn more about face masks still required at child care centers; Week of the Young Child; apply for the DCF program supervisor position in Waukesha; latest Child Care Counts application period opens on April 19; next week is Out-of-School Time Professionals Appreciation Week; and register to attend the 2021 Wisconsin Family Child Care Conference Sept. 16-18.

Learn about the latest round of Child Care Counts; DCF Community Innovation Grant Recipients; read the updated FAQs for the Wisconsin Shares temporary subsidy increase; reminder that the fingerprinting deadline is June 1.

Read reminders about updated FAQs for Wisconsin Shares temporary subsidy increase; Child Care Counts spending timeframe and FAQs; and the June 1 deadline for fingerprint background checks. 

Read the latest update on face masks still being required at child care centers; updated FAQs about the temporary Wisconsin Shares subsidy increase; and reminders about Child Care Counts spending timeframe and the June 1 fingerprinting deadline.

Read the reminders about: Child Care Counts spending timeframe, fingerprinting deadline is June 1, and updated face covering requirements.

Help the CDC by participating in a COVID-19 vaccination survey for child care providers! Read the following reminders: Child Care Counts Spending Timeframe Updates - make sure you know the deadlines; take the DHS COVID-10 vaccine webinar survey - the deadline is today; mark your calendar to attend the upcoming webinar series on multilingual learners; cast your vote and nominate an ECE professional; register for the upcoming day camp institute.  

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24 on Zoom to learn more about the Wisconsin Shares temporary subsidy increase! Read about updated face covering requirements - mandate extended until April 5; DCF's new resource to promote purposeful play; an upcoming webinar series on multilingual learners; nominate a professional in the ECE field to be featured on our website; fingerprinting deadline is June 1, 2021; and register for a six-part day camp institute.

Please read these important updates about the Child Care Counts spending timeframe and consult with a professional tax advisor for your specific situation.

Want more information about COVID-19 vaccines? Answer the survey to request another DHS webinar in both English and Spanish. If you are a child care provider or work in a child care program, you need to have your fingerprints on file by June 1.Read about an upcoming day camp institute, face mask reminders, and an upcoming webinar about the Wisconsin Shares temporary subsidy increase.

Read the latest about vaccinated child care workers/teachers still required to wear face masks; updated CDC guidance for child care providers - and toolkits for child care programs; upcoming webinar for providers about temporary Wisconsin Shares subsidy increase; and fingerprinting requirements resumed on March 15.

Mark your calendar to attend the March 24 webinar for providers about Wisconsin Shares Temporary Subsidy Increase! Read about the DHS vaccine webinar on March 12; a reminder about fingerprinting requirements resuming on March 15; and the continuation of face covering requirements.

Learn more about getting a COVID-19 vaccine at one of the two upcoming DHS Vaccine Webinars on March 11-12! Also read about continued face coverings as a measure to slow the transmission of COVID-19; Child Care Counts Audits and Reviews - check the Child Care Portal to see if you were randomly chosen for an audit; Child Care Counts payment tax information; fingerprint requirements resume on March 15 - make sure you and your staff are in compliance.

Exciting news - Governor Evers will submit a plan to the Joint Committee on Finance for use of the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds that Wisconsin has received through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The plan includes two additional rounds of Child Care Counts funding, as well as investments in technology, workforce recruitment and retention, and shared service expansion to support the sector’s recovery. Also read about free training for federal PPP funds, the March 10 deadline for applying for PPP, fingerprinting requirements resume March 15, important tax information regarding Child Care Counts payments, and much more!

Read about fingerprint background check requirements resuming on March 15; Child Care Counts Supplementary Payment Program tax information; change in Youngstar micro-grants and investment in Child Care Strong; updated ECE vaccination information; and a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) webinar.

Read about vaccination information for child care providers; apply for PPP loans by March 10; DHS offering Birth to 3 family input sessions; Wisconsin Shares temporary subsidy increase frequently asked questions; Child Care Counts spending deadline and frequently asked questions; and 1099 information from Child Care Counts payments.

Read about the temporary Wisconsin Shares subsidy increase for families with children aged 0-3 and the frequently asked questions; check out the recently revised Public School-Operated Programs Health and Safety Checklist; updates to spending funding from the Child Care Counts Programs; 1099 reminders - have you received yours?; PBS Learning Education event on Feb. 24; and updated face covering requirements.

Read about Child Care Counts payments and spending deadlines, upcoming PBS Learning Education webinar, information about Child Care Counts 1099 reminders, and face covering reminders.

Read about tonight's State of the State address from Gov. Evers, who is committed to improving early care and education.

Read about Gov. Evers' investment in ECE and Child Care Strong; 1099 information for providers who received funds from Child Care Counts; face covering requirements in child care centers; online workshop for after-school and school-age programs; and online AHT prevention training for child care providers.

Learn about Governor Evers' investment in early care and education; updated face covering requirements, resources for supporting multilingual learners; and an upcoming webinar for after-school and school-age programs.

Read about a temporary rate increase for families with children birth through three years old who receive Wisconsin Shares; DCF face covering requirements; 1099s for Child Care Counts funds; and a survey request for programs with children 6-11 years old.

Learn about upcoming child care professional training opportunities and answer an important survey about physical activity and nutrition for Wisconsin Children ages 6-11 years old.

Read the latest information about PPE supplies for child care providers, vaccination updates, face covering requirements, supporting multilingual families, free DAE online training, and continuing education requirements for 2021.

Read about vaccine updates for child care providers, Youngstar updates and DAE training, supporting multilingual families, child care licensing and certification continuing education requirements, and face covering requirements.

Read about vaccination updates for child care providers, face covering requirements extended until March 20, PPE supply updates, child care COVID-19 outbreak guidance, and a webinar for family child care providers interested in the Small Business Administration loan and grant programs.

Read about a webinar for family child care providers interested in Small Business Administration loans and grants; child care COVID-19 outbreak guidance.

Read about vaccination updates for child care providers; child care COVID-19 outbreak guidance; Community Innovation Grant Applications; free face mask posters for child care centers; and Youngstar rating updates.

Read about new PDG grant award, teacher survey, PPE updates for child care providers, free face mask posters for your child care program.

Read about free face mask posters for your program, grants available for new child care businesses in western WI.

Read the reminder about face covering requirements; and resources for families in "child care deserts".