July 30 Child Care Provider Updates

Child Care Bridge Payment Spending Deadline Reminders

Funds under this program must be spent within 120 days of the date of the payment letter for the given month.

  • Child Care Bridge Payments March funds must be spent by August 8, 2026
  • Child Care Bridge Payments April funds must be spent by September 5, 2026

See the Child Care Bridge Payment webpage for the list of remaining spending deadlines and mark them in your calendar.

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.

Air Quality Reminders

Due to smoke from wildfires, Wisconsin is experiencing air quality alerts. Wildfire smoke is a particle pollutant and can cause serious health problems for sensitive groups including headaches, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Sensitive groups include children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health issues such as asthma.

Like the weather, the air quality can change daily. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily before going outside. When the AQI hits “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” the air quality can be dangerous for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease. Outdoor activity is still okay for these sensitive groups, but it is important to take frequent breaks and monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

If the AQI is at “Unhealthy” or worse, treat the situation similarly to inclement weather and remain indoors.

If you have further questions, please contact your assigned Licensing Specialist or regional licensing office.

Additional Air Quality Resources

Reminder: Share Your Feedback on the Draft Wisconsin ELDGs!

We invite early childhood professionals, families, and the public to review and share feedback on the draft Early Learning and Development Guidelines (ELDG) by August 21. The files and survey link are available on the ELDG project webpage.

After the public review, Marzano Research will analyze the feedback and make final edits, then translate into Spanish and finalize the updated WI ELDGs. The Department of Children and Families, the Department of Public Instruction, and the Department of Health Services are grateful for your support.

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: Quality Conversations: Content Team: Supporting Autism: Leveraging Deep Interests
    • Join YoungStar Connect for a compassionate conversation about supporting children with autism by leveraging their deep interests. Together, we’ll explore how strong interests can be used to build engagement, support learning, and strengthen relationships.
    • Virtual/Live | Monday, August 10 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
    • Register through the Wisconsin Registry Registration closes on August 8, 2026.
    • Questions? Contact Nicole Cusimano.
       
  • WFCCA Mini-Conference – August 15
    • Wisconsin Family Child Care Association (WFCCA) is presenting a one-day mini-conference for all who care for children in the region and across Wisconsin. Sessions include understanding and responding to challenging behaviors, mindfulness and self-regulation strategies for providers, an overview of Wisconsin’s new DCF licensing regulations (including Mandated Reported Training), and an optional First Aid/CPR/AED recertification session. Let’s come together to support each other and grow in our work with children!
    • Saturday, August 15 | Menomonie, WI
    • Learn more and register for the conference.