January 2 Child Care Provider Updates

Happy New Year from DECE! We hope 2024 brings you health, happiness, and fulfillment.

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

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.

Reminder: Child Care Counts December Application Period is Closed

The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the December Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by January 5, 2024, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

The next update period January 20-28, 2024. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks.

Spending Deadline Reminder

All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days from the date of the payment letter. See the Use of Funds section of the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

  • August 2023 funds must be spent by January 6, 2024.

If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650.

Child Care Counts Información en español.

Reminder: Child Care Counts Round 4 Information and Important Dates

You’ve been asking about future Child Care Counts payments and DCF is sharing information about Rounds 4 and 5 to help you plan for the future. Thanks to an additional $170 million in emergency funding that Gov. Tony Evers has directed to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Child Care Counts will continue through June 2025.

See the Round 4 webpage to read about:

  • Overview of Round 4
    • Round 4 payment program runs February 2024 – June 2024
  • Application/Update and Count Weeks for Round 4
    • Add these dates to your calendar
  • Round 5 Preview
    • Round 5 payment program runs July 2024 – June 2025

Full details for both rounds will be available closer to the start of each round. Keep an eye on our Child Care Counts Payment Programs for additional updates.

Reminder: DCF is Hiring

The Division of Early Care and Education, Milwaukee Early Care Administration, is currently recruiting to fill a Child Care Subsidy Lead position. This position serves as a lead worker and ensures staff’s awareness and compliance with state and federal laws, administrative rules, and policies pertinent to the Wisconsin Shares program. This position reviews quality standards, through case reviews, within the authorization unit. The position is 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 January 3, 2024. View all open DCF positions at Wisc.Jobs.

Winter and Health: The Facts ECHC Webinar – January 4

Winter is here and so are questions around illnesses within child care. Can cold weather cause kiddos to get sick? When are fevers dangerous? What are safe approaches to address the spread of germs in centers? Watch the upcoming Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) webinar with Kelly O’Connor (Registered Pediatric Nurse & ECHC Health Consultant) and Dr. Dipesh Navsaria (Pediatrician & ECHC Director) to learn more.

ECHC Webinar 
January 4 at 1 p.m. 
Register for webinar

Questions? Reach out to the ECHC team at echc@sohe.wisc.edu