March 27 Child Care Provider Updates

Measles Reminders

Childhood diseases like measles can cause children pain and discomfort, and can lead to hospitalizations and even death. Immunization against measles is the best way to protect young children from serious diseases.

Most people who contract measles are unvaccinated. Symptoms of measles include:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Dry cough
  • Red rash with raised bumps

Individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. However, some immunocompromised individuals may not develop a rash. Measles spreads through:

  • Air on droplets of saliva
  • Infected person coughing or sneezing

Measles is a communicable disease. If there is a confirmed case of a communicable disease in a child enrolled at a regulated child care program, it must be reported to DCF and your local health department within 24 hours after the program has been notified of the diagnosis.

All certified and licensed child care programs must maintain a current written record of each child enrolled at the program. This includes documentation that indicates the child’s immunization history complies with Wis. Stat. §252.04 – Immunization Program.

Note: Head Start programs must obtain determinations from health care professionals that a child is up to date on immunization recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you have any questions regarding immunization documentation, contact your assigned Certification Worker or Licensing Specialist.

Additional Measles Information Resources

Get Ready for the March Child Care Counts Update Period

The next update/application period is April 5-13. Organize your records now so you are ready for the next Child Care Counts 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 Update Weeks.

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.

Reminder: CCFT Train-the-Trainer Events Open for Registration

The Spring 2025 CCFT Train-the-Trainer session will be held in Wisconsin Dells at the Chula Vista Resort, Monday, April 28 through Thursday, May 1. Registration is now open on the Registry's Statewide Training Calendar.

As a reminder, there are requirements to be a CCFT Trainer. To attend these events, you must have:

  • Tier 3 Trainer status
  • A Training Sponsor Organization (TSO)
  • Signed the CCFT TSO and Trainer Agreement
  • Completed the AHT Prevention Train-the-Trainer session to offer Introduction & Infant/Toddler CCFT course
  • Completed the CCFT What You Need to Know webinar

Trainer Resources

Registration ends March 28, 2025; secure your spot today!

Reminder: Join Our Team! – Bilingual Child Care Subsidy Specialist

Are you fluent in Spanish and English? Do you have a passion helping families access high quality affordable child care? Consider joining our team! The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is looking for a Bilingual Child Care Subsidy Specialist in Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA).

If you are fluent in Spanish and English, this is your chance to make a difference for children and families while enjoying the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment with great benefits!  Apply now and help improve the lives of children and families in Wisconsin!

More details about the application process for this position at Wisc.Jobs.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on March 31, 2025. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact, Rebekah Gaumitz at 608-422-6417 or via email at Rebekah.Gaumitz@wisconsin.gov. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

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 ECHC Webinar: “Finding a Way: Support for Families of Children with Disabilities and Developmental Delays”

    • This webinar will introduce you to Wisconsin Wayfinder, a program to connect families and professionals with support for children who have delays, disabilities, special health care needs, or mental health conditions. Read complete webinar details. Spanish interpretation is not available.
    • Webinar | Thursday, April 3 | 1-2 p.m. | Register today!
    • This event is approved for 1.0 hour of continuing education through the Wisconsin Registry.
       

  • Wisconsin Family Child Care Association Annual (WFCCA) Conference

    • Come “Light the Way with Intention” and renew your passion for family child care and gaining knowledge while connecting with other child care providers to create a supportive network!
    • Thursday, April 10-12, 2025 | Hyatt Regency in Green Bay
    • Register today!
    • Visit the WFCCA website for complete conference information. 
       

  • “Road to Success” Training Program Launched to Strengthen Early Childhood Education Workforce

    • Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), in collaboration with Forward Service and the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board has launched its new Road to Success Program, a 14-week training series designed to meet the educational requirements to be a lead teacher or family child care provider.
    • In-person classes, two days a week from April 15, 2025, to July 17, 2025, at the Oshkosh Area United Way.
    • Read more about the program. | View the video link. | Spanish interpretation is not available.
       

  • Pyramid Model E-Modules with Reflective Coaching – Birth to Five