May 14 Child Care Provider Updates

Reminder: Beware of Fake Emails Requesting Information Verification

Recently, it was reported to DCF that some Wisconsin child care providers have been receiving fake/spam emails again that request personal information verification. 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.

DCF has a Beware of Fake Emails webpage with tips for spotting phishing (fake) emails. Be sure to carefully read the page and bookmark the new webpage!

Get Ready for the May Child Care Bridge Payments Update Period

The next update/application period starts soon: May 23-31, 2026. Organize your records now so you are ready for the next Child Care Bridge Payments Update/Application Week. You must review and update your application every month. See the Child Care Payments Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks.

Update Week Application Resources

• Submitting Your Child Care Bridge Payments Application Guide
• Update Week Guide – step-by-step instructions for updating and re-submitting your application
• Uploading Documents to the Child Care Provider Portal Guide

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.

Reminder: Don’t Forget to Submit Your Get Kids Ready Program Eligibility Verification Application

If you submitted your Intent to Participate in the 2026-27 Get Kids Ready school year, the next step in the participation process is to submit your Program Eligibility Verification Application by May 15.

Providers who do not submit this application will not be able to participate in the 2026-27 Get Kids Ready school year, regardless of if they meet the eligibility requirements.

If you have questions regarding the application or requirements, we recommend you review the resources below:

• Get Kids Ready Process Overview
• Program Eligibility Verification Application Submission Guide
• Accessing the Child Care Provider Portal guide and video
• Sample Get Kids Ready Schedules
• Template Get Kids Ready Schedules

Additionally, DCF has several partner organizations who provide direct support to child care providers which can help with preparing and planning for Get Kids Ready. View a full list of Technical Assistance organizations on our website. Below are some specific organizations that may be helpful with Get Kids Ready: 

• Budgeting, Billing Practices, and Schedule Development
  • Submit a WEESSN Advice on the Go form. Additional supports may be available through WEESSN and can be found on the WEESSN website.
• Curriculum That Meets WMELS
  • Child care providers participating in YoungStar can view resources on the YoungStar Connect webpage and contact their YoungStar coach.
  • Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency.
• Staff Support / Meeting Lead Teacher Degree Requirements
  • The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association offers Career Development Counseling. Contact CareerDevelopment@wisconsinearlychildhood.org.  
  • TEACH Early Childhood® Wisconsin, which offers scholarships to early childhood educators to make credit-based education more affordable. 

If you still have questions, please submit an inquiry form.

If you did not submit your Intent to Participate by February 1, then you cannot participate in the 2026-27 school year, but may be able to submit for future school years during upcoming Intent to Participate periods. Learn more on the Get Kids Ready webpage for child care providers.