January 30 Child Care Provider Updates Child Care Industry is Critical for Wisconsin Last week, Governor Evers delivered his State of the State Address, during which he identified child care as a statewide workforce issue, highlighted the critical importance of Child Care Counts, and called for policymakers and stakeholders to work together to support the child care industry. Read the full State of the State Address to learn more. January Child Care Counts Update Period is Closed The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the January Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by February 9, 2024, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. Child Care Counts Round 4 Begins February 2024 The initial application period is February 10-25, 2024. The Count Weeks for the February application period are January 28 – February 10. Keep your records handy and organized during Count Week. All providers are required to upload child and staff records when submitting your initial application. See the Child Care Counts webpage and read the Round 4 Terms and Conditions for details and important changes. Watch for additional webpage updates coming soon. 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 Round 3 Frequently Asked Questions for more information. September 2023 funds must be spent by February 10, 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. New Resources for Child Care Providers DCF recently published a new webpage for providers. From this webpage, you can navigate to helpful resources throughout the DCF website, including our new Child Care Provider Resource Guide. This guide helps give you the tools and resources you need to launch or improve your business and provide the best care possible. See what’s inside the guide: Regulation Helps Child Care Businesses Succeed Build a Quality Child Care Business with DCF's YoungStar Program Position Your Child Care Business as an Essential Part of the Community Explore Opportunities to Partner with Head Start and Early Head Start in Wisconsin Enjoy the Benefits of Community Partnership (including a partnership template) Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program Is my business eligible to accept Wisconsin Shares? How do I become a Wisconsin Shares provider? How can my business maintain Wisconsin Shares eligibility? Browse the full Child Care Provider Resource Guide on the DCF website where you can also download PDFs of each section. Recognition of Hazards and Injury Prevention Interventions: Recalls and Following Manufacturer’s Instructions One simple way to protect children is to subscribe to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for recalled products, specifically children’s products. Many products we buy in stores or online later get recalled. Following a product’s instructions and manufacturer’s specifications for use is another way to protect children from injury. Keep product manuals and do not remove stickers or tags that provide instruction and helpful reminders about how to use the product appropriately and safely. Recent CPSC Recall UBBCARE Play Yard Mattresses Recalled Due to Suffocation Hazard for Infants; Violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Crib Mattresses; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by UBBCARE Free Virtual Class – Regulation Strategies Get ready to dive into discovering the keys to peace and calm for all ages. Join the Parent Place virtual webinar: Regulation StrategiesThursday, February 2 – 5:30-7 p.m.Register on the Parents Place website today! Please contact Ann-Marie St. John with any questions. 262-549-5575 or astjohn@parentsplacewi.org.
