September 25 Child Care Provider Updates Wisconsin Shares Rate Increase Effective October 1, 2025 There will be an increase in Wisconsin Shares maximum reimbursement rates for all age groups starting on October 1, 2025. Now, maximum rates will be at or above the price of 75% of child care slots. Note: You can review the prices we have for you in the Provider Portal by clicking the Prices button on the Financial page or Facility Details page, or by selecting Prices under the Manage Facility heading in the Navigation Menu. If the prices you have reported to Wisconsin Shares are lower than the new rates, families will not see an increase in their subsidy amount. If and when you change your rates, remember to update your Written Payment Agreements with your families, so they are aware of any changes to their out-of-pocket expenses for child care. See the Wisconsin Shares Rate Increase page for more information. Wisconsin Shares Subsidy Usage Policy Changes Effective October 1, 2025 Wisconsin Shares is moving to pay child care providers based on established subsidy rates to align with federal regulations and better account for the actual cost of care. Beginning October 1, 2025, parents are encouraged to use all subsidy funds on their MyWIChildCare EBT card to pay the child care provider, even if that amount is over the amount billed to the family. Parents do not need to make changes to their authorizations and child care providers do not need to do anything to prepare for this change, and should continue using their Written Payment Agreements to discuss billing and payment practices. For more information, please see the FAQs on our webpage. September Child Care Bridge Payments Update Period Closes Soon – Apply Today! Time is running out to complete required updates on your September Child Care Bridge Payments application. The deadline is Sunday, September 28 at 11:59 p.m. How to Apply The Child Care Bridge Payments application is available in the Child Care Provider Portal. If you have not yet applied for Child Care Bridge Payments, see the Application Guide for information about submitting your initial application. Update Week Reminders Once you are approved for payments, you must update your application every month. Please be sure to review any information that is copied over from the previous month and update all new information as required. Upload verification documents only if needed This includes child and staff records, if updates are needed. If your program was closed for the entire count week (for example, seasonal closures) or if you no longer wish to receive payments, you must withdraw your application during Update Week. Update Week Application Resources Submitting Your Child Care Bridge Payments Application Guide Update Week Guide – step-by-step instructions for updating and re-submitting your application Uploading Documents to the Child Care Provider Portal Guide 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. WMELS Update — Statewide Survey Wisconsin is reviewing the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) and wants your input. If you work with, care for, teach, or support children birth–first grade, please complete the WMELS Statewide Survey (about 15 minutes). Your responses will guide future improvements to content, usability, and companion tools. Take the survey Learn more: Early Learning and Development Guidelines Revision Project Questions: carrie.germeroth@marzanoresearch.com Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Reminders Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by enteroviruses that spread year-round. Anyone can get HFMD, but most cases occur in infants and young children during the summer and fall. HFMD is usually not serious, but it can spread quickly. Symptoms of HFMD include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. Children with HFMD may continue to go to child care and school if they are fever-free (temperature below 100.4° F) and feel well enough to attend. Additional Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Information Resources Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease | Wisconsin Department of Health Services Childhood Communicable Diseases Chart | Wisconsin Department of Health Services 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. CCFT Introduction to the Child Care Profession – Daytime and Evening Classes Introduction to the Child Care Profession provides foundational knowledge and skills training for individuals as they begin, or consider, a career in caring for children. Virtual Daytime Classes | Tuesdays, Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 Virtual Nighttime Classes | Wednesdays, Oct. 8 – Dec. 17, 2025 Visit the Parents Place website for more information and to register Please contact Ann-Marie St John with any questions. 262-549-5575 or astjohn@parentsplacewi.org 2025 Statewide Out of School Time Conference Join Wisconsin Out of School Time Conference this fall to gain information, education, and resources which will support your programs, staff, and participants. In-Person | October 29-30, 2025 | Appleton, WI Virtual | November 7, 2025 Visit the Conference Page for more information Questions? Contact wosta@marshfieldclinic.org
