April 10 Child Care Provider Updates Survey Findings on the Impact of Child Care Counts Ending Current funding for the Child Care Counts program runs out in June 2025. If the Legislature does not allocate more funding for the program in the next state budget, it will end. Today, Governor Evers and DCF are releasing the results of a provider survey about the impacts of Child Care Counts ending. According to Governor Evers, “The results of this survey are crystal clear: if we don’t make needed investments to support our child care providers and industry, programs will close, wait-lists will get even longer, providers will be forced to raise prices, and parents and loved ones who can’t afford for costs to get any higher may have to leave our workforce.” Read Governor Evers’ press statement and the full survey results. Tuesday Talks: Join us Tuesday, April 15 The next Tuesday Talks with DECE webinar is this coming Tuesday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m. and the topic is: Implications for the End of Child Care Counts Survey. Registration is not required for these events. Tuesday Talks with DECE is held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to learn more. DCF is Hiring for a Northern Licensing/Certification Specialist Are you passionate about supporting the health, safety, and quality care for young children? If you're an experienced child care teacher or early care educator looking to expand your impact beyond the classroom, consider joining our team as a Child Care Licensing Specialist with the Bureau of Early Care Regulation. Professional experience in the early care and education setting is a requirement of this position. The Division of Early Care and Education (DECE), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), is currently recruiting to fill a Licensing/Certification Specialist position in Northern Region headquartered in Rhinelander, WI. (2187 N. Stevens St) While this position is headquartered in Rhinelander, WI, it is comprised primarily of field work requiring on-site, in-person visits approximately 3-4 days per week. Successful candidates must have the ability to travel anywhere within the region at any time, based on the needs of the work unit. The majority of the travel for this position will be to Portage and Wood counties. Remote work options will be discussed further during the interview. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Learn more about this position on Wisc.Jobs. Update Your Prices in Provider Portal When is the last time you checked and updated your prices in the Provider Portal? The new Wisconsin Shares Child Care Estimator is live, so you’ll want your prices to be accurate when parents and caregivers use the tool. The Estimator helps families better understand their subsidy amounts, plan their finances, and helps them make choices about child care in their area. To learn about the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Estimator, review the October 2024 Tuesday Talks with DECE recording (around the 14-minute mark). Update your prices in the Provider Portal today! If you have questions about updating your prices, contact your local agency. Reminder: March Child Care Counts Closes Soon – Apply Today! Time is running out to complete required updates on your March Child Care Counts application. The deadline is Sunday, April 13 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 videoto learn how to make application modifications during Update Week. If you have not yet applied for Round 5, see the Round 5 Application Guidefor 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 – ADHD Support It is common for parents with children who have ADHD to feel frustrated when their strategies don’t seem to work. Get suggestions to help you support your child with ADHD. Thursday, April 17 | Virtual | 5:30-7 p.m. Get more information and to register for training. Contact Ann-Marie St John with any questions: 262-549-5575 or astjohn@parentsplacewi.org. Virtual: Supporting Home Language in Early Childhood In today's diverse world, maintaining a child's home language is not just important—it is essential. Learn practical strategies and gain resources to integrate and support children's home languages in their learning environment. Hosted by YoungStar Connect. Spanish interpretation is not available. Live session April 29 | 12-1:30 p.m. Register at the Wisconsin Registry | Registration closes on April 26, 2025. Questions? Contact Maria Matrak at mmatrak@youngstarconnect.com Free ECHC Webinar: “Nurturing the Storm: A Guide to Managing the Big Moments” This webinar discusses examples of behavioral challenges in the classroom and how to respond in developmentally appropriate ways. You’ll learn strategies to utilize self-regulation skills for when stressful situations occur. May 1, 1-2 p.m. | 0 hour continuing education credit through the Wisconsin Registry Learn more about the webinar and register today. TTAP Course Series - Trainer May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025 | Fee: $250 | English Time: 6-9 p.m. | Registry Event ID #971618 See flyer for additional details. Questions: Please contact Beni Amaro or Tracie Dachel at 414-562-2650. View 4C For Children’s full course catalog.
