July 9 Child Care Provider Updates Reminder: Child Care Bridge Payments Program is Closed The Child Care Bridge Payments (CCPB) closed on June 28, 2026 and final payments will be posted to the Provider Portal on July 10, 2026. See program details and spending deadlines on the CCBP webpage. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Child Care Payments Support Center by 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. Virtual: Four-Step Approach to Difficult Conversations Managing difficult conversations can be challenging. The four-step approach offers strategies for promoting positive interactions with families that are collaborative, supportive, and focus on problem-solving. Live session | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Register through the Wisconsin Registry | Registration closes on July 19, 2026. Questions? Contact Jessica Bowden. ECHC Podcast and Webinar: What's Going on with the Childhood Vaccine Schedule? Podcast: The Early Childhood Health Consultation Program (ECHS) is back! The latest Teachers, Toddler, and Tissues Podcast is posted. What’s Going On with the Childhood Vaccine Schedule? We're talking about what ECE teachers need to know, who's in charge, what's available, and how to talk to families who have questions or are confused about getting their kids immunized. Webinar | Thursday, July 23 | 1-2 p.m. | via Zoom Dr. Dipesh Navsaria will talk about what hasn't changed, what has changed, and where to find reliable, accurate, and up-to-date information. We will share practical tips on how to talk to families who have questions or are confused about getting their kids immunized! Currently, registry credit for the webinar is pending. We hope you will join us! Register for the webinar today! New Free, Self-Paced Training Series Available A new training series is now available through Thriving Wisconsin! The Bridges to Belonging series offers free, self-paced learning designed to support child care providers in building inclusive and responsive environments. These trainings were made possible through funding from the Bureau of Refugee Programs’ Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Grant and are available at no cost to participants. Learners can complete the trainings on their own schedule and earn continuing education credits. Explore the full series and other available trainings on the Thriving Wisconsin website.
