September 17 Child Care Provider Updates

A Special Message from DCF Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl

I am excited and honored to embrace the role of secretary and continue building on the progress we have made under Secretary Amundson’s steadfast leadership.

I have spent the last two decades fighting for Wisconsin's families and will continue to do so, especially as the future of our child care workforce hangs in the balance. As you all know, these next six to nine months are a crucial juncture for the Child Care Counts Program. I am committed to working across the aisle to get a foundational, long-term public investment that strengthens our child care network.

I look forward to listening and learning from providers across the state to find ways to continuously improve our state’s child care programs and policies.

Interested in learning more about Secretary-designee Pertl? Check out his biography.

Tuesday Talks: Join us Today for Tuesday Talks

The next Tuesday Talks with DECE webinar is today, September 17 at 1:30 p.m. and we will hear remarks from Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl and learn about Early Childhood Inclusion Resources and Wisconsin Wayfinder.

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.

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

Explore the Results of the Child Care Supply and Demand Survey

Gov. Tony Evers and DCF have announced the results of DCF’s Child Care Supply and Demand Survey, which found almost 60 percent of providers across the state have unutilized capacity, such as closed classrooms, due primarily to staff shortages. Providers report that if they were able to operate at full capacity, they could serve up to 33,000 more kids.

According to Governor Evers, “Working parents across our state depend on having high-quality, affordable child care so they can get to work and feed their families, but with providers closing their doors and reducing slots due to staffing, affordable child care is becoming harder and harder to find.  This is not sustainable. If we want to address our state’s generational workforce challenges, we must make sure child care centers have the resources they need to keep their doors open, pay their staff fairly, and serve as many kids as possible. It’s as simple as that.

Read the press release and the full survey results.

Get Ready for the September Child Care Counts Update Period

The September Count Weeks are September 15-28. The next update/application period is September 28 – October 6. Organize your records now so you are ready for the update/application week. You must review and update your application every month. You risk overpayment if you don’t properly update your application. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks.

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.

  • May 2024 funds must be spent by October 12, 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.

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 Provider Entrepreneur Training Series
  • WMELS Training Available through WECA – Register by September 24
    • 8-Week Virtual Training beginning October 1
    • Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) is offering an eight-week virtual Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) Training beginning October 1. Explore WMELS standards and build a foundation for high-quality care and education for all children from birth to first grade. Sessions will be provided in English. Questions? Email eschepp@wisconsinearlychildhood.org.
       
  • #ForKidsHealth Summit Oct. 7-8 – Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin
    • This year’s #ForKidsHealth Summit will be held October 7-8, at the Brookfield Conference Center in Brookfield, WI. The Waukesha Public Health Preparedness Health Educator, Jamie Penza, will host a breakout presentation at this year’s summit. Download the full agenda. 
      Learn more about the Summit and to register visit.
       
  • WECA Offers Free Business Coaching
    • Wisconsin Early Childhood Association’s (WECA) shared services network, WEESSN, is 100% free and available to all regulated family and group programs in Wisconsin.
    • WEESSN Business Coaches can:
      • Suggest ways to stretch your budget
      • Explore affordable benefits to attract and retain staff
      • Discuss ways to enroll more children
      • Provide free professional development
      • Help you navigate both the tricky and the everyday parts of our field
      • Support you with understanding as someone who has lived experience in child care

Learn more WEESSN Plus Coaching and fill out the interest form today!