July 16 Child Care Provider Updates

Tuesday Talks with DECE is Today

The next Tuesday Talks with DECE webinar is today, July 16 at 1:30 p.m. and we will be talking about Child Care Counts, the Market Rate Survey, and Improvements to Wisconsin Shares.

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 access the Zoom link and learn about future topics.

Learn more about Tuesday Talks on the DCF website. Información de las charlas del martes en español.

Child Care Counts: Round 5 Information

Round 5 July Child Care Counts Application Period Begins Soon

Get ready – Round 5 Child Care Counts Initial Application Week starts Sunday, July 20 – August 4, 2024. Organize your records now. All providers must upload child and staff records with their initial application.

See the Child Care Counts webpage and read the Round 5 Terms and Conditions for details.

Update: Change to December Application/Update Week

Due to provider feedback, the December Application/Update and Count Weeks have been changed to avoid the holiday week. The Application and Count Weeks have shifted one week earlier. There is no change to the payment date or spending deadline for December. 

See the Child Care Counts Calendar for all Round 5 important dates.

Update: No Participation Deadline for Round 5

Due to updated federal guidance, we no longer need to implement a Participation Deadline for Round 5.  

This means that providers can apply during any application week throughout Round 5. 
This also means that payments for each month of Round 5 will be based on each month’s child and staff counts.

The previously announced participation deadline was November 2024. This participation deadline is no longer necessary. With this change, providers (including new providers and providers with additional locations) may apply during any Application Week in Round 5.

If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650.

Child Care Counts Información en español.

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.

  • Let’s Talk About Time-Outs – Join YoungStar Connect and The Registry for a virtual group coaching learning experience on Zoom. Learn about revised regulations around time-outs and what this means for your program, and how to stay in compliance while ensuring that both kids and caregivers get what they need to be successful. Register and learn more today!
    • Training Dates
    • July 18, 6-8 p.m.
    • July 25, 6-7 p.m.
       
  • Free Virtual Education – Toddlers Getting Along with Others – Biting, pushing, scratching... it is embarrassing and overwhelming. Attend a Parents Place virtual webinar and learn to teach small children how to manage and express their wants and needs more appropriately. Please contact Ann-Marie St John with any questions. 262-549-5575 or astjohn@parentsplacewi.org.