January 9 Child Care Provider Updates

ReadyWisconsin Urges Preparedness Ahead of January Winter Storm

With the first major winter storm of the season expected for much of southern and eastern parts the state this week, ReadyWisconsin encourages everyone to review their winter weather plans and make sure they are prepared. See their checklists of what to do before, during, and after a snowstorm.

Get Ready for the January Child Care Counts Application/Update Period

Providers were notified of their eligibility for funds for their December applications on January 7, 2024, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

The January Count Weeks are January 7-20. The next update/application period is January 20-28. Organize your records now so you are ready for update/application week. You must review and update your application every month. You risk overpayment if you don’t properly update your application. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application 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.

September 2023 funds must be spent by February 10, 2024.

Child Care Counts Round 4

Child Care Counts Stabilization Payment Program Round 4 runs February 2024 – June 2024. See the Round 4 webpage for complete details.

Round 4 March Count/Application Week Date Changes

To accommodate your spring break requests about the March Count/Application Weeks, DCF has changed the March Count Weeks to March 3-16 and the Application Weeks to March 16-31. All Round 4 dates are available on the website.

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.

Changes to Wisconsin Registry Profile Requirements

To ensure the Wisconsin Registry contains accurate data, beginning February 1, 2024, programs will not be able to add new staff to the Classroom Tab of a Program Proﬁle if they do not meet preliminary licensing qualiﬁcations for age, work history, education, training, and veriﬁcation of high school completion.

When this change goes into effect, existing staff who do not meet preliminary licensing qualiﬁcations will remain in the Program Proﬁle. An indicator will appear on the Classroom Tab in the Program Proﬁle if they do not qualify for the position as required by DCF licensing.

Child care programs should take these steps before this change goes into effect:

Review the Classroom Qualiﬁcations or the Staff Preliminary Position Qualiﬁcation Reports
Speak to any staff this affects and develop a plan for resolving any issues

Review the Reviewing Registry Profiles Position Qualifications guide on the Registry website for more information.

For questions about Individual Membership or Program Profile Maintenance, contact the Wisconsin Registry at 608-222-1123 ext. 4 or support@wiregistry.org.

Designing and Assessing Child Outcomes in OST Programs Course Offering

Designing and Assessing Child Outcomes in OST Programs is a 12-hour blended format course designed for supervisors and directors that explores the importance of creating child outcomes as part of high-quality programming. Course content includes identifying and developing meaningful outcomes, aligning outcomes to SMARTIE goals, translating goals into effective program activities, and documenting and assessing progress in reaching the desired outcomes.

Course dates: January 12 – February 9 (Registration closes January 10.)
Visit the WAN website for course details and to register.
Contact WAN with questions: wisconsinafterschoolnetwork@marshfieldclinic.org