April 2 Child Care Provider Updates Final Child Care Rules and Public Hearing Summaries Available Online DCF is revising child care licensing rules that will go into effect on August 1, 2026. As a reminder, there are two main purposes of the rule revisions: To come into compliance with the federal Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) requirements, and To implement 2025 Wisconsin Act 15, also known as the 25-27 Biennial Budget, items. DCF held a public hearing on February 18, 2026 and received many verbal and written comments from the public. The Public Hearing Summaries and Department Responses are now available on the department’s Child Care Rulemaking webpage. Further, DCF has finalized the child care rules. The final rules can also be found on the Child Care Rulemaking webpage. Additional tools and training will be available in the coming months. Child Care Immunization Assessment for 2025-2026 If you have not already done so, please complete your Child Care Assessment survey by April 30, 2026. The survey closes at 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026, and will not reopen. This assessment is required for all licensed child care programs (family, group, and camps) that serve 2-4-year-old children. Please use the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webform to complete the survey. The Child Care Assessment booklet contains all information needed for completing the assessment. The Immunization Requirements webpage, under child care requirements, also contains additional resources. If you are having difficulties submitting your assessment online, please call 608-267-9959 or email DHSImmProgram@dhs.wisconsin.gov to complete your assessment over the phone. Thank you for your partnership! 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 Provider Portal, so accuracy is important. Note: Removing individuals from the Registry classroom staff does not remove them from the CCPP. Individuals need to be updated in both places. For more information about updating your CCPP account, review the Child Care Provider Portal Information page. 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. March Child Care Bridge Payments Update Period is Closed The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the March Child Care Bridge Payments are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by April 10, 2026, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. March payment amounts will also be posted to the How Payments are Determined webpage on April 10. The next update/application period is April 18-26, 2026. Reminder: the Child Care Bridge Payments end 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. 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. New Webpage: Beware of Fake Emails Requesting Information Verification Recently, Wisconsin child care providers have been receiving some fake/spam emails that request personal information verification and threaten license revocation. These emails were not sent out by DCF, and you should not reply to them or click on any of the links. If you have already replied or clicked on any links, notify your IT department of service person immediately. DCF has created a new Beware of Fake Emails webpage with tips for spotting phishing (fake) emails. Remember, any email that DCF sends out will come from an email address ending in “wisconsin.gov”. If the sender email address does not end in “wisconsin.gov” then it is not from DCF. Be sure to bookmark the new webpage for easy reference! 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: Building Leaders: A Directors Collaborative Unlike traditional classes or training, Building Leaders: A Directors Collaborative brings directors and program leaders together each month to share ideas, talk through challenges, and connect with others who understand the realities of the role. Each session stands on its own, though we encourage regular attendance to deepen connections and get the most out of the cohort experience. Join us at the next session! April 16 | Monthly sessions | 12:30–2 p.m. Register through the Wisconsin Registry. Visit the YoungStar Connect Training Calendar for upcoming sessions. For more information, contact Mary Niec at mniec@youngstarconnect.com Abusive Head Trauma Train the Trainer - Virtual Thriving Wisconsin is offering The Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) Prevention – Training of Trainers, designed for individuals who have previously completed an AHT Prevention training and are interested in becoming qualified to train others. Virtual | April 21 | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. If you are planning to train the Child Care Foundations Courses (CCFT), this Training of Trainers is a required prerequisite before attending the CCFT Train‑the‑Trainer. Sign up for AHT Prevention Training of Trainers. El curso Fundamentos de la serie T-TAP T-TAP courses meet the adult education requirement for becoming an approved This course is part of the required series to qualify to offer Wisconsin Registry courses and earn Trainer certification. Course offered by Bright Training and Consulting. Virtual | Saturdays, April 25, May 2, and May 16 | 8 a.m. – 12 m. Cost: $250 | Register at Wisconsin Registry | Course Details: 1005263 The course and guide are available in Spanish Parent’s Place Child Care Foundational Trainings – Daytime and Evening Classes Introduction to the Child Care Profession provides foundational knowledge and skills training for individuals as they begin, or consider, a career in caring for children. April - June | Evenings | $150 Fundamentals of Infants & Toddlers - Foundational knowledge and skills training as you begin, or consider, a career caring for infants and toddlers. April - June | Daytime | $150 For more information and to register visit the Parent’s Place website. Questions? Contact Ann-Marie St John with any questions: 262-549-5575 or astjohn@parentsplacewi.org Wisconsin Family Child Care Association Conference Attend the WFCCA Conference “The Balancing Act” Thursday April 30 – May 2, 2026 at Hyatt Regency in Green Bay. Renew your passion for family child care and gaining knowledge while connecting with other child care providers to create a supportive network! Early Bird registration closes 4/10/26 register for the WFCCA Conference. Visit the Wisconsin Family Child Care Association website to find more conference information. Register now for three days of continuing education!
