August 13 Child Care Provider Updates

Male Teachers in Early Childhood Education

Calling all male educators! Dr. Katie Roberts with the Wisconsin Technical College System will be hosting a new neighborhood on the PN-3 Xchange. If you are a male or male-identifying ECE teacher, especially if you work or have worked with infants, toddlers, and three-year-olds, Dr. Roberts invites you to learn more about the Male Teachers in Early Childhood Education Neighborhood and consider joining. Learn more about the PN-3 Xchange.

Get Ready for August Child Care Counts Application Period

Get ready – the next Child Care Counts Update Week is August 24 – September 1, 2024. Organize your records now so you are ready for Update Week. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds for their July applications on August 16, 2024, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks.

  • The Count Weeks for the August application period are August 11-24.
    • Keep your records handy and organized during Count Week. All providers are required to upload child and staff records when submitting your initial application.
  • See the Child Care Counts webpage and read the Round 5 Terms and Conditions for details.

Spending Deadline Reminder

All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days from the date of the payment letter. See the Use of Funds section of the Round 5 Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

  • April 2024 funds must be spent by September 14, 2024.

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.

Updated Wisconsin Shares Program Integrity Training for Providers

Earlier this year, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) updated the free Wisconsin Shares program integrity training video for Wisconsin child care providers! View the updated video to stay up to date on the latest policies.

In order for child care providers be eligible to receive Wisconsin Shares, you must be certified or licensed, and participate in the YoungStar quality rating system. Watch the Wisconsin Shares program integrity training video or download the Provider Program Integrity Training booklet (DCF-P-5484) to access helpful resources.

Materials are also available in Spanish (Mire el video de capacitación sobre integridad del programa Wisconsin Shares en español. Descargue el folleto de Capacitación en integridad del programa de proveedores (DCF-P-5484-S).

See the Wisconsin Shares Provider webpage for links to all trainings, frequently asked questions, and much more! For questions about Wisconsin Shares policies, please contact your local agency.

Reminder: Training and Technical Assistance Professional (T-TAP) Course Series this Fall

Supporting Families Together Association is offering the Training and Technical Assistance Professional (T-TAP) Course Series this fall. Please see the course series flyer for more information. Cost: $250/course.

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.

  • Child Care Health Consultation Webinar Series

    • Sign up to attend the Child Care Health Consultation Webinar Series: Managing Common Illnesses to Support Health Learning Environments being offered by the Office of Child Care Administration for Children and Families. Germs and bacteria can disrupt early childhood programs. It is important to watch for common signs and symptoms of illness and know what to do next. Child care health consultants (CCHCs) help staff understand and prevent infectious diseases. Learn more at the webinar!
      • Wednesday, August 14 – 2-3 p.m. ET (1-2 p.m. CT)
      • Register Online
         

  • WEESSN: Embracing Differences: How to Promote Equity in External Communications

    • This training examines the importance of equity in external communication and marketing practices. We will discuss how to promote inclusive language, race, ethnicity, and gender, and the importance of body language and facial expression when communicating. If you’re not already enrolled in WECA’s shared services network, we’ll sign you up for WEESSN when you register for the session – WEESSN is 100% free. This is one of many great professional development opportunities WECA offers – learn more on our website today!
      • Training: Thursday, August 22 – 6:30-7:30 p.m., English and Spanish
      • More information and register online – Click on the WEESSN Training Calendar