October 1 Child Care Provider Updates October is Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month! Join us October 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. for more information about Safe Sleep at DCF’s Tuesday Talks! Throughout October, we’ll be sharing information and resources to help families, caregivers, and child care providers create safer sleep environments for Wisconsin infants. As part of our Tuesday Talks on October 20, we’ll explore small, meaningful steps that have a huge impact on reducing the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in early care and education settings. Follow Wisconsin’s Department of Children and Families on Facebook for additional Safe Sleep updates, resources, facts, and tips. 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 May funds must be spent by October 10, 2026 Child Care Bridge Payments June funds must be spent by November 14, 2026 See the CCBP home 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. Wisconsin Shares Program Integrity Training for Providers DCF offers free Wisconsin Shares program integrity training for Wisconsin child care providers! View the video and training booklet to stay up to date on the latest information. 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. Complete Your Business Information Form Now! You shared your rates and enrollment information with DCF in May through the Child Care Info Review. Since then, Child Care Bridge Payments have ended and Get Kids Ready has launched. Now, we’re asking all licensed and certified child care programs to share this information again through the full BIF to understand the impact of these changes on child care programs and inform Wisconsin Shares subsidy rates. Complete Early. Earn More! Update your Rates and Enrollment data to qualify: By October 31: $45 Walmart eGift Card + entry to win a $300 Lakeshore gift card By November 30: $25 Walmart eGift Card + entry to win a $100 Lakeshore gift card By December 18: Entry to win a $100 Lakeshore gift card Check your email for your unique link from CCRR_BIF@thrivingwi.org. For help, find your local CCR&R and reach out with questions. 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: (QIP) & Self-Assessment Join YoungStar Connect for a hands-on session designed to strengthen your program's quality and impact. We’ll walk through the self-assessment process to help you evaluate key areas of your program, interpret your findings, and use the results to set meaningful goals. We’ll also guide you through creating and implementing a practical, effective Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). Virtual | Monday, October 5, 2026 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Register through the Wisconsin Registry. Questions? Contact Nicole Cusimano. Understanding Your Why: How It Shapes the Way We Engage With Children and Influences Relational Health Showing up for others really starts with showing up for yourself. This free Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) webinar explores the importance of understanding your "why" as an anchor and self-reflection as a compass, helping you notice what is happening within yourself and how you are showing up in the moment. Participants will learn how self-awareness and meaningful self-care can help them manage stress and respond to challenging moments with greater intention. Live session | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 1-2 p.m. CST Live Spanish interpretation will be available during this webinar. Approved for 1.0 hours of continuing education credit with the Wisconsin Registry Register for the Understanding Your Why webinar. Watch previously recorded ECHC webinars. Wisconsin Early Childhood Partners Spotlight Series Join Thriving Wisconsin and the Child Care Resource & Referral Network to learn about the programs, partnerships, and resources that strengthen Wisconsin’s early childhood system and support children, families, and child care providers. The first session features: The Parenting Place Northwest Connection Family Resources YoungStar Connect Virtual | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 1-2 p.m. Register for the October Spotlight Series session. | View the Spotlight Series flyer for additional details. WFCCA Mini-Conference – Pewaukee Wisconsin Family Child Care Association (WFCCA) is pleased to present a one-day mini-conference. Sessions include School Readiness Starts with the Brain, Turning Storytime Into Meaningful Learning, and Exploring Sensory Play and Reading for Enhanced Learning. Let’s come together to support each other and grow in our work with children! Saturday, October 24 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Pewaukee, WI Learn more and register for the WFCCA Mini-Conference. New Credential: Nature Based Early Childhood Education Interested in learning more about outdoor learning? Register for this nature-based early childhood credential! Explore how nature can become a powerful part of early learning. This advanced technical certificate is designed for early childhood professionals who want to deepen their understanding of nature-based education and bring it into their everyday teaching. Includes four 3-credit courses and Wisconsin Registry credit. Register for the nature-based early childhood education course today! | Registration deadline is October 2026. This credential is offered for a fee and may be covered by the TEACH scholarship. Visit the TEACH webpage for eligibility, application, and waitlist information. Contact Stef Bugasch for additional information. Visit the Western Technical College website to register or learn more about the program. Child Care Foundational Trainings Ready to begin or advance your child care career? Register for one of The Parents Place Child Care Foundational Trainings, offered fall 2026: Introduction to the Child Care Profession, daytime Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher, daytime Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care, evening Visit the Parents Place website to view class schedules and register Questions? Contact Ann-Marie St John at 262-549-5575. New Statewide Training & Coaching Resource for Providers Looking for trainings or professional development opportunities? The Wisconsin Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network Training Calendar makes it easier to find foundational trainings, continuing education, and other professional development opportunities—all in one place. Explore opportunities such as: 📚 Child Care Foundational Trainings (CCFT) 🩺 Health & safety courses 🎓 Continuing education 🤝 Peer learning and networking 📅 Conferences and other learning opportunities 💬 Free coaching and support The calendar includes direct registration links, plus information about dates, fees, training formats, and available coaching supports. Whether you’re new to child care or an experienced provider, use the calendar to find opportunities that fit your needs and support your professional growth. Explore the Training Calendar English Training Calendar Español Training Calendar Need help finding the right training or coaching? Find your local CCR&R and connect with your local team for questions about training, registration, or coaching supports. Reversing Trauma: Building Resilient Children & Nurturing Hope Join Dr. Limor for an interactive training designed for early childhood educators. Learn how trauma affects young children’s developing brains and bodies, recognize signs of trauma, and discover practical strategies to create safe, nurturing classrooms. Virtual | November 2, 2026 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Reversing Trauma flyer Cost: $35 | Register: Registry Event ID #1023843 Questions: Contact Tracie Dachel at 414-562-2650 | 4C for Children Training Catalog
