October 30 Child Care Provider Updates Wisconsin DHS November FoodShare Updates The federal government informed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) that due to the federal shutdown, there is not enough funding to provide another month of food benefits unless the government reopens. This means that FoodShare members will not get their monthly benefits on time in November. Even if the shutdown ended tomorrow, for example, November benefits will be delayed. Although timely November benefits will not be issued, FoodShare members may use any benefits currently on their QUEST card in November. The shutdown will need to end before members can start getting new benefits again. To be clear, benefits that are already on their card will not be removed because of the shutdown and members can continue to use their current benefits during the shutdown. After the shutdown ends, DHS will work as quickly as possible to start issuing benefits again. WIC is not currently impacted by the shutdown. Any Wisconsinite who needs additional food or infant formula for their house or family can reach out to 211 for connections to local resources. Anyone can use 211 to get help by: Dialing 211 or 877-947-2211 Visiting their website at 211wisconsin.communityos.org. Through the website, people can search for services or chat with someone online who can help. Texting their ZIP code to 89821 New 2025-27 Biennial Budget FAQs: Get Kids Ready DCF is working to provide information about implementation of the child care provisions of the 2025-27 Biennial Budget as quickly as possible. We recently posted new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Get Kids Ready program. These FAQs can be found on the Get Kids Ready webpage. Spanish Parents/Caregivers Flyer Available: Wisconsin Shares Subsidy Usage Policy Changes The downloadable, printable flyer to give to parents/caregivers for the Wisconsin Shares subsidy usage policy changes is now available in Spanish. This DCF flyer communicates the Wisconsin Shares subsidy usage policy changes to parents/caregivers so that they can start paying child care providers their full subsidy amount as soon as possible. Learn more about the policy change and download the flyer on the DCF website. October Child Care Bridge Payments Update Period is Closed The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the October Child Care Bridge Payments are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by November 7, 2025, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. September payment amounts will also be posted to the How Payments are Determined webpage on November 7. The next update/application period is November 15-23, 2025. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Child Care Payments Support Center by email 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. Reminder: 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 location (635 N 26th Street, Milwaukee, WI). For any additional questions, please contact our Southeastern region office at 262-446-7800. 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. Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher in Spanish (Virtual) Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W. is hosting a Skills and Strategies in Spanish. The course will be held on the following Mondays: November 10, November 17, November 24, December 1, and December 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. virtually, using Zoom. Space is limited. Please register on the website. Questions? Contact susy@fcrnew.org. Virtual: Let's Talk About Time-Outs Join YoungStar Connect for a three-session virtual group coaching learning experience about the revised regulations around Time Outs and what this means for your program. Spanish interpretation is not available. Live sessions: November 10, 1-3 p.m. November 17, 1-3 p.m. November 24, 1-2 p.m. Register through the Wisconsin Registry. Registration closes on November 7, 2025 Questions? Contact Anna Barthen at abarthen@youngstarconnect.com 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.
