October 16 Child Care Provider Updates Get Ready for the October Child Care Bridge Payments Update Period The next update/application period is October 18-26. Organize your records now so you are ready for the next Child Care Bridge Payments Update/Application Week. You must review and update your application every month. See the Child Care Payments Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks. 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 Support Center Update We are currently transitioning our support center phone line operations. We are unable to answer incoming phone calls at this time, and can only accept voicemails. Please send your questions to the Child Care Payments mailbox: DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov If you are unable to email, please leave your message at 608-535-3650. Please be sure to leave your name, phone number, provider number, and details of your question in your message. Your call will be returned by a Support Center specialist as soon as possible. Support Center hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F. Tuesday Talks: Join us Tuesday, October 21 The next Tuesday Talks with DECE webinar is this coming Tuesday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m. and the topic is: Wisconsin Shares. 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 learn more. Waukesha Office Closure Attention Child Care Providers and Partners: DCF will be vacating the Waukesha State Office Building as of October 31, 2025. The drop box that is currently at Waukesha office (141 NW Barstow Street) will be removed. You may utilize the drop box located at our Milwaukee (635 N 26th Street, Milwaukee, WI) location. For any additional questions, please contact our Southeastern region office at 262-446-7800. Reminder: Complete Your WMELS Update Survey Wisconsin is reviewing the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) and wants your input. Please complete the WMELS Statewide Survey (about 15 minutes). Your feedback will help us identify what’s working in WMELS, what’s missing or outdated, and which formats/tools would make the next version most useful. Take the survey in English or Spanish Deadline: October 24 Learn more: Early Learning and Development Guidelines Revision Project Questions: carrie.germeroth@marzanoresearch.com Changes to the Child Care Finder Currently, the Child Care Finder displays detailed information regarding a program’s violations. Starting November 1, it will also include additional details regarding a program’s compliance in a new Summary Report. The new Summary Report can be easily printed and will display a comprehensive summary of all rules monitored during a licensing or certification visit, including rules that were met. The Summary Report will display new icons denoting: Rules met Violations Repeat violations cited more than once within a two-year period for licensed programs and programs operated by public schools Serious violations that directly impact the health, safety, and welfare of children in licensed programs and programs operated by public schools Rules marked as Not Applicable for the program at the time of the monitoring event. Additional changes to the Child Care Finder include both the start and end date of a temporary closure period. These changes incorporate federal requirements, but are also responsive to the child care community’s request to display more detailed information regarding rules met during a monitoring event and temporary closure detail. Flooding Impact Reminders Many families have been impacted by the historic flooding that Wisconsin has faced this past summer. There are many health risks associated with flooding damage, especially mold. It is important to take steps to reduce the exposure to mold during cleanup. Be sure to communicate with any associated insurance companies when preparing for flooding cleanup. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides helpful tips to protect indoor air and your health while cleaning up after flooding. There are resources available to child care providers who have been impacted by flooding. Individuals who sustained losses and damage to their homes are able to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. The deadline to apply for assistance is November 12, 2025. Local assistance and resources are also available through Wisconsin 211. Additional Flood-Related Resources United State Environmental Protection Agency – Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health FEMA Individual Assistance Application Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Coping With Flooding Wisconsin 211 Damage Report 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. Enhancing Family Engagement in Early Childhood Family engagement is an essential part of early childhood education. This training can equip early childhood educators with the knowledge and skills to enhance family engagement in their programs. Virtual | October 23 | 1-2:30 p.m. Register through the Wisconsin Registry. Registration closes on October 20, 2025. Questions? Contact Jess Bowden at jbowden@youngstarconnect.com Free Training – Guiding Children’s Behavior The Parent’s Place is offering this free, virtual training. Learn simple, effective ways to guide your child’s behavior and build a more peaceful, positive home and classroom. Monday | October 27 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. Get more information register today. Introduction to the School-Age Care Profession The course is specifically designed for staff working in afterschool settings. Participants will gain a strong understanding of core principles for working with school-age children, the value of Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, and the goals of high-quality care. On-Demand | Register Today Questions? Reach out to Rand Neve at randy@marshfieldclinic.org Explore Training Opportunities Across Wisconsin! Looking to grow your skills as a child care provider? The Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network offers a wide variety of training options to meet your needs—whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or self-paced Visit the Thriving Wisconsin Training Calendar, where you can find and register for a variety of trainings offered by CCR&Rs across the state. Reminder: Wisconsin Early Childhood Partners Spotlight Series! Thriving Wisconsin in partnership with the CCR&R Network is hosting Wisconsin Early Childhood Partners Spotlight Series. This series highlights organizations that support families and early education providers. Registration is free and open to all, including providers, families, and community members. See the Spotlight Series flyer for complete details.
