March 6 Child Care Provider Updates

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Tuesday Talks – February Recording Now Available

Did you miss the February Tuesday Talks with DECE? The recording for the February talk featuring remarks from Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl plus Biennial Budget and YoungStar Quality Adjustment Updates is now available in the February 18, 2025 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, March 18 at 1:30 p.m. and we will be featuring the next topics in our Licensing Back to Basics series: Statements of Non-Compliance (CFS-294) and Online Licensing Application Updates. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and calendar invitation for the 2025 Tuesday Talks.

Ensure Your Child Care Provider Portal Staff Information is Accurate

Child care providers are reminded to regularly update their program’s information in the Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) to ensure the individuals listed include only current or prospective employees or household members. DCF conducts ongoing compliance monitoring based on information entered in the Portal, so accuracy is important. Inaccurate information also may impact eligibility for potential funding opportunities in the future.

For more information about updating your CCPP account, review the Child Care Provider Portal Tip Sheet. If you have questions, please contact your licensing or certification specialist. You can also contact the Child Care Background Unit by email at DCFPlicBECRCBU@wisconsin.gov or by calling 608-422-7400.

February Child Care Counts Closes Soon – Apply Today!

Time is running out to apply/update your information for the February Child Care Counts program. The deadline is Sunday, March 9 at 11:59 p.m.

Update/Application Week Reminders

• Once you are approved for payments, you must update your application each month.
• See the Updating Your Child Care Counts Information During Update Week video to learn how to make application modifications during Update Week.
• If you have not yet applied for Round 5, see the Round 5 Application Guide for information about submitting your initial application.

If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650, M-F 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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.

• Free Virtual Training – Encouraging Children’s Self Esteem

  • Healthy self-esteem gives kids confidence in themselves and their abilities. Learn the building blocks for healthy self-esteem at this free Parents Place webinar. Spanish interpretation is not available.
  • Monday, March 10 | Virtual | 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Register and get more information
  • Questions? Contact Ann-Marie St John at 262-549-5575 or astjohn@parentsplacewi.org
     

• Keeping Children Safe: Supervision, Tracking, and Follow Through

  • Keeping children safe is a top priority for all educators. In this training, providers will learn how to describe and apply active supervision strategies and systems to keep children safe and accounted for in their programs. Spanish interpretation is not available.
  • Live session on March 13, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Register at the Wisconsin Registry. Registration closes on March 10, 2025.
  • Questions? Contact Mary Niec at mniec@youngstarconnect.com. 
     

• Quality Conversations: YoungStar Connect Office Hours: Introduction to Formal Ratings and Creating a Child-Friendly Space (Spanish Session) 

  • In this Rater session, our specialists will dive into Formal Ratings and how to create a child-friendly space. This focused discussion will offer insights into enhancing quality in specific areas of your environment, aligning with ERS standards.
  • This session is only available in Spanish.
  • Live session on March 31, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Register at the Wisconsin Registry. Registration closes on March 28, 2025.
  • Questions? Contact Maria Matrak at mmatrak@youngstarconnect.com.