February 26 Child Care Provider Updates Wisconsin Shares Program Integrity Training for Providers The Department of Children and Families (DCF) continues to offer the free Wisconsin Shares program integrity training for Wisconsin child care providers. View the video and training booklet to stay up to date on the latest information. See the Wisconsin Shares Provider webpage for links to all trainings, frequently asked questions, and much more! For questions about Wisconsin Shares policies, please contact your local agency. February Child Care Bridge Payments Update Period is Closed The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the February Child Care Bridge Payments are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by March 6 2026, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. February payment amounts will also be posted to the How Payments are Determined webpage on March 6. The next update/application period is March 21-29, 2026. Reminder: the Child Care Bridge Payments ends in four months, on June 28, 2026, and final payments will be posted on July 10, 2026. DCF encourages all eligible child care providers to continue submitting monthly applications through the end of the program. Spending Deadline Reminder Funds received under this program must be spent within 120 days of the date of Payment Letter for the given month. October 2025 funds must be spent by March 7 November 2025 funds must be spent by April 11 Support Center Please send your questions to the Child Care Payments mailbox: DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov and include your name, phone number, provider number, and details of your question in your email. A Support Center specialist will reply as soon as possible. Support Center hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F. 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. Virtual: Stress and Resilience: Strengthening Well-Being for Early Childhood Professionals The training supports educators in navigating challenges with greater ease and promoting a healthier, more resilient mindset. Live session | March 10 | 1-2:30 p.m. Register at the Wisconsin Registry. | Registration closes on March 6, 2026 Questions? Contact Kalli Leu at kleutenegger@youngstarconnect.com Free Spanish-Language Training Series for Early Childhood Providers Join Thriving Wisconsin for a free Spanish-language training series designed to inspire, empower, and strengthen early childhood practice! This virtual series is dedicated to improving early childhood outcomes by promoting culturally responsive early care and education environments for children and families. View the flyer to learn more or contact elizabeth@thrivingwi.org for additional information. Trainer and Technical Assistance Professionals Training (T-TAP ) View the entire 4C for Children education and training catalog. Questions? Contact Evy Romoeuf at 414-562-2650 TTAP Course Series -Foundations April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026 | 6-9 p.m. Virtual | Via Zoom Cost: $250 Register: Registry Event ID #1004375 TTAP Course Series – Trainer May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026 | 6-9 p.m. Virtual | Via Zoom Cost: $250 Register: Registry Event ID #1004376 TTAP Course Series - Technical Assistance Professionals June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026 | 6-9 p.m. Virtual | Via Zoom Cost: $250 Register: Registry Event ID #1004377 A 5K Transition Roadmap: Building Strong Starts for Every Child Navigating the transition to kindergarten can be complex. Join EL-TAI for an interactive virtual learning experience where we share research-based strategies and program success stories. Explore a "Roadmap" for intentional kindergarten transitions for all students. Who: School District staff, child care, and Head Start staff. If you support preschoolers in their journey to kindergarten, this is for you. Virtual | April 21, 2026 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Free to attend See event flyer | Register today!
