January 9 Child Care Provider Updates

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ECAC Biennial Budget Recommendations

The Governor's Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) has made recommendations to Governor Evers for items to be included in Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 biennial budget. The ECAC’s budget recommendations center around three core priorities:

  • Bolstering the early care and education (ECE) workforce by providing a state investment in Child Care Counts and expanding professional development opportunities;
  • Increasing supports and services for families through additional investments in Family Resource Centers and Family Foundations Home Visiting; and
  • Promoting maternal and child health and well-being by extending postpartum Medicaid coverage for a full year and expanding access to infant and early childhood mental health consultation.

Read the ECAC’s full report.

Change in Fingerprint Background Check Fees

Effective January 1, 2025, the cost of the fingerprint background check has been reduced by $1.25. This changes the cost from $31.25 to $30 for each fingerprint background check.

Please note – this does not impact the cost of name-based annual checks, or any fees charged by Fieldprint for the collection of the fingerprints.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact the Child Care Background Unit at 608-422-7400.

Voluntary Payment Agreement (VPA) Processing Delay

At the end of every year Voluntary Payment Agreement (VPA) submissions increase. Due to this increase, there will be noticeable delays in processing submissions and funds being removed from provider’s accounts. Please do not submit duplicate VPA submissions. If you have questions about a submission’s processing time, please contact childcare@wisconsin.gov.

Child Care Foundational Trainer Survey – Due January 17!

Are you interested in becoming an approved Child Care Foundational Training (CCFT) trainer? The Wisconsin Registry CCFT Team is planning for the next CCFT Train the Trainer events in the spring of 2025. If you are interested in becoming a CCFT Trainer, please fill out our CCFT Trainer Interest Form to help with planning. Please complete this form by Friday, January 17, 2025, for your response to be considered in planning purposes.

If you are unsure if you are a Tier 3 Trainer and/or meet the requirements to be a Tier 3 Trainer, please reach out to the Registry at support@wiregistry.org. 

CCFT Webpage Reminders

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

If you have questions, please contact your licensing specialist or certification worker.

Tuesday Talks – December Recording Now Available

Did you miss the December Tuesday Talks with DECE? The recording for the December talk on Child Care Counts Rate Increase, Reporting Closures, and What to Expect During a Monitoring Visit is now available in the December 17, 2024 accordion on the Tuesday Talks with DECE Recordings webpage. This is where you can access all of the resource links shared during the Talk as well.

Tuesday Talks with DECE are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next webinar is Tuesday, January 21 at 1:30 p.m. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and calendar invitation for the 2025 Tuesday Talks.

December Child Care Counts 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 10, 2025, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

Spending Deadline Reminder

All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days from the date of the payment letter. August 2024 funds must be spent by January 11, 2025.

The next update period is January 25 – February 2, 2025.

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.

Upcoming Events and Education/Training Opportunities

The below events are hosted by DCF, one of its partners, or is one that may be relevant to the early childhood field. Click/tap on the titles below to learn more about each event.

  • What We Want You to Know: Quick Tips Every Early Childhood Care Provider Should Hear - Webinar

    • During this free webinar, the Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) team will walk through a series of short subjects they’d like every early care education (ECE) provider to know about. Topics will include measuring fevers, RSV, pink eye, and more! You’ll walk away with a better understanding of these common concerns and how to talk about them with colleagues and families.
    • Time will be available following the presentation for live question and answer with Dr. Dipesh Navsaria (Pediatrician & ECHC Director), and Nurse Consultants Kristin Gabriel and Kelly O’Connor.
    • This event has been approved for 1.0 hour credit through the Wisconsin Registry. Spanish interpretation is not available at this webinar.
    • January 9 | 1-2 p.m. | Virtual | Free webinar registration
       

  • Parents Place Webinar: Raising Resilient Children

    • Learn about emotional resilience in children, what it means, why it is important and how it benefits children.
    • Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | Virtual | 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
    • Register and get more information.
    • Please contact Ann-Marie St John with any questions. 262-549-5575 or astjohn@parentsplacewi.org
       

  • Raising Mental Health Awareness in Child Care

    • Join YoungStar Connect for a free virtual learning experience (via The Registry). YoungStar Connect recommends attending with others from your program to expand your knowledge of mental health stigma and learn strategies to build a more inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for children, families, and staff.
    • You will leave this session with a start-up plan specific to your program!
    • January 23, 2025 | Virtual | 1- 2:30 p.m.
    • Register and learn more.
    • Questions? Contact Nina Bottomley at nbottomley@youngstarconnect.com