August 13 Child Care Provider Updates Online Licensing Manuals (Rulebooks) Are Live! Updated licensing rules in effect as of August 1, 2026, are now available on the DCF website! You can access the updated licensing rules through the following links: DCF 250 Family Child Care DCF 251 Group Child Care DCF 252 Day Camps for Children Printed copies of the manuals/rulebooks are not yet available for order. The department website will be updated with a link for orders once they become available. DCF is developing downloadable document versions for individuals to print. We will notify you when these resources are available. Watch for future listserv messages. Meanwhile, if you need a printed version of the new rules, you can print any DCF webpages as needed. Commentary manuals are under review. Watch for them in future listserv messages. If you have any questions regarding the manual/rulebook webpages, please contact your assigned Licensing Specialist or your regional licensing office. Child Care Certification Rules & Standards and Checklist Updates DCF 202 has been updated, and the Standards and Checklists are now available on the DCF website. You can access the administrative rules and updated Standards and Checklists through the following links: DCF 202 English Standards and Checklist Spanish Standards and Checklist Also visit the Certification Training page for information about pediatric first aid training requirements. If you have questions regarding the updated rules, please contact your certification agency. Tuesday Talks – Join Us in August Tuesday Talks with DECE are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next webinar is Tuesday, August 18 at 1:30 p.m. and we will be sharing updates on two 2026-27 biennial budget early care and education initiatives: Child Care Access Program and Child Care Rule Updates. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and calendar invitation for the 2026 Tuesday Talks series. Free Choose Safe Places Program Available for Child Care Providers! Did you know that the air in your child care program could be impacted by its past uses or nearby properties? Children are more likely than adults to get sick from environmental hazards because their bodies are still developing and they engage in behaviors that make them more likely to contact harmful substances, such as putting their hands in their mouths and crawling and playing on the ground. The Choose Safe Places Program is a free program through the Department of Health Services (DHS) and builds on Department of Children and Families (DCF) protections. Participating in the program can help determine if you or the children you care for could be impacted by harmful chemicals from previous uses of the child care program location or nearby chemical spills. You’ll also receive educational resources and guidance on lead in paint and water, drinking water contaminants, radon, and soil contamination. Reach out to DHSCSP@dhs.wisconsin.gov with any questions and visit the Choose Safe Places program webpage to participate! Last Chance to Give Input on the Draft Wisconsin ELDGs! Early childhood professionals, families, and the public have just a few more days 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 incorporate feedback, translate, 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: Birth to 3 Program Join YoungStar Connect for an informational session to learn about the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program, a statewide, early intervention special education program designed to support infants and toddlers (ages birth to 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Birth to 3 offers services that include determining eligibility through free screenings and evaluations, family-centered care, and strong support for child care providers. Virtual/Live | Monday, August 31, 2026 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. Register through the Wisconsin Registry | Registration closes on August 27, 2026. Questions? Contact Nicole Cusimano.
