2022 Child Care Provider Updates Listserv Archive

Tomorrow - December 23 - is the deadline for December Child Care Counts Application/Update Week. Reminder: Review the Child Care Provider Vacation Closure information for holiday closure guidance.

Update your child and staff CCC records this week - Dec. 19-23 for Child Care Counts Application/Update Week. Review the Child Care Provider Vacation Closure information for holiday closure guidance. Free Child Care Foundational Training is still available! Learn more. Parent Place is hosting a free Setting Up Routines webinar on January 11. Register for the Behavioral Health Series: Naming and Taming Emotions webinar on January 27.

Read about and share the CACFP ByHeart infant formula recall information with staff and parents. Join WEESSN before the end of the year to be eligible for free gifts and new 2023 services. Are you ready? December Child Care Counts Update/Application Week begins Monday, December 19-23. 

Get Ready - December Child Care Counts Update/Application Week begins next week – December 19-23. Mark your calendars for the December 20 Tuesday Talks with DECE! Hear more about the YoungStar transition during Tuesday Talks. Will you be the next Dream Up! grant winner? Cohort 3 Dream Up! applications are opening soon. 

Register for the Improving Staff Health and Wellness webinar on December 15. Read more about the YoungStar Transition Updates. Learn more about WEESSN’s new Educator Assistance Program. Reminder: November Child Care Counts applications are being reviewed. 

Providers must report if a child receiving Wisconsin Shares has not attended in the past 30 days. November Child Care Counts applications are being reviewed. Reminder: MECA services are now virtual. 

The November Child Care Counts application period is closed and applications are being reviewed. 

November Child Care Counts applications close today. The Parents Place is offering a Parenting Through the Holidays webinar on December 8. Reminder: DCF is hiring. 

This week is November Child Care Counts Update/Application Week, and it runs November 21-29. Review, update, and submit your child and staff lists! Learn more about the YoungStar transition and staffing change. Do you know potential child care providers? Tell them about the Free Foundational Child Care Training! The Parents Place is offering several webinars for parents and providers in December. Reminder: Register for the December 1 Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) webinar. Reminder: DECE is hiring. Come and work with a great team!

Read the DCF Division of Early Care Education Administrator announcement. Learn about the increased spread of respiratory viruses in Wisconsin children and adults. Get ready - November Child Care Counts Update/Application Week starts next week. Register for the upcoming Parent Place webinars for parents. Come work with us! DCF is hiring several positions. 

Join us today at 1:30 p.m. for Tuesday Talks with DECE. Read the latest Child Care Counts updates and reminders. Learn more about Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) and register for the December 1 webinar. Sign up for Free Child Care Foundational Training. Check out WEESSN’s new Tax Guides for Child Care Businesses. Reminder: Sign up for the free, online self-paced learning courses from PBS KIDS. Reminder: DCF/BECR is hiring a Licensing/Certification Specialist in Rhinelander, and an Office Manager in Waukesha. 

Learn more about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and how to limit the spread. The November Child Care Counts update/application week is November 21-29. Come work with us - DCF is hiring! The Bureau of Early Care Regulation is hiring a Child Care Licensing Section Manager in their northern region, a Licensing/Certification Specialist in Rhinelander, and an Office Manager in Waukesha. 

November 15 is the next Tuesday Talks with DECE. Our topic is Wisconsin Early Education Services Network (WEESSN) and Free Child Care Foundational Training. The October Child Care Counts payments will be available November 18. Come work with us! The Division of Early Care and Education/Bureau of Early Care Regulation is hiring a 60 percent Licensing/Certification Specialist position in their southeastern region and a Child Care Licensing Section Manager in their northern region. 

The October Child Care Counts applications are being reviewed. The Bureau of Early Care Regulation is hiring a 60 percent Licensing/Certification Specialist position in their southeastern region. 

The October Child Care Counts application period is closed. Applications are being reviewed. WEESSN is offering a tax credit webinar for providers. PBS Wisconsin Education is offering free PBS KIDS self-paced learning courses that earn Registry credit. Come work with us! DCF is hiring a 60 percent Licensing/Certification Specialist position in their southeastern region. 

The deadline to update/apply for October Child Care Counts is tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. The October Tuesday Talks with DECE recording is available. Register for the Special Education Information Session with DPI on November 1. There’s still time to register for the November 3 ECHC webinar about thoughtful approaches to exclusion. Read the latest PDG news in this week’s newsletter.  This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Read about preventing childhood lead exposure. 

Update your Child Care Counts records this week – October 24-28 – for Update/Application Week.  Are you familiar with the latest Safe Infant Sleep Practices? View the webinar recording to learn about the 2022 changes in safe sleep guidelines. Come work with us! DECE is hiring multiple positions.

Get ready for October Child Care Counts Update/Application Week October 24-28. DHS announces everyone ages 5 and older is eligible for updated COVID-19 boosters. Come work with us! DCF is hiring multiple positions.

Join us today for Tuesday Talks with DECE and learn more about the YoungStar transition. Read more about the YoungStar transition and Frequently Asked Questions. WEESSN is hosting an Employee Retention Tax Credit Webinar in Spanish and English. The September Child Care Counts payments will be available by October 21. See the corrected phone numbers in the MECA Services are Now All Virtual announcement. DECE is hiring multiple positions. Reminder: Register for Pathways to Quality Conference October 24-29. Reminder: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Wisconsin spring application deadline is November 1. 

Read about how Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) services have transitioned to fully virtual! Does your program use bottled water due to well contamination? Apply for ARPA Well Compensation and Well Abandonment Grant Programs. The September Child Care Counts applications are being reviewed. 

Save the date! October 18 Tuesday Talks with DECE topic is the YoungStar Transition. T.E.A.C.H. spring application deadline is November 1. Take advantage of the Free Child Care Foundational Training and sign up today! Register for the Wisconsin Out of School Time Conference on November 1-2.  Update your background check information in the Provider Portal. The September Child Care Counts application period is closed and applications are being reviewed. Reminder: Pathways to Quality Conference is October 24-29. Reminder: DECE is hiring a Background Analyst. 

Register for the upcoming Early Childhood Health Consultation webinar on Thoughtful Approaches to Exclusion. Learn about the Shared Services Network of free resources and benefits for providers being offered by WEESSN. Child care providers are encouraged to view the free online program integrity training on the DCF website. The September Child Care Counts application period is closed and applications are being reviewed. 

The deadline for updating your September Child Care Counts application is tomorrow – Wednesday, October 5 at 11:59 p.m. Did you miss the September Tuesday Talks with DECE? The recording is now available! Read about the professional development opportunities are available for providers this fall. Learn about the Wisconsin Lead-in-Water Testing and Remediation Initiative. Come work with us! DECE is hiring a Background Analyst. 

Providers update your September CCC records now! October 5 is the deadline for updating records. Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot expanding statewide in October. The Parent Place is offering an online series on Adult Anger. The Wisconsin Afterschool Network, in partnership with DCF, is offering free Foundational School-Age Child Care Trainings.

This week - September 26 – October 5 – is the beginning of the September CCC update/application week. Update your records now! A Child Tax Credit is available for families. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2022. Read about the Project Growth Partner Up! Cohort 2 Grant Awardees. Early Childhood Health Consultation is presenting a webinar on Thoughtful Approaches to Exclusion: Should this Child Remain in Care? Child care providers that they are required to have a written payment agreement with all families. 

Get ready for September CCC update/application week, next week: September 26 – October 5.

Join today’s Tuesday Talks with DECE to learn about supporting children with special needs. The September CCC application/update week has been extended. The application will be open next week, September 26 – October 5. WEESSN is offering free access to LegUp Enrollment Management software to child care providers. Join our team at DCF! DECE, Bureau of Operations and Planning, is hiring an IT and QA Section Manager.
 

August CCC payments available tomorrow, September 16. Child care providers are encouraged to join the Tuesday Talks with DECE to learn about opportunities to support children and families participating in Birth to 3. 
 

Missed our August Tuesday Talks? Listen to the August Tuesday Talks recording on our website! See the updated Birth to 3 Program training information. Sign up for training today! Listen to the WPR interview with Erin Arango-Escalante about early childhood issues. August CCC applications are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by September 16, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

See the new COVID-19 Guidance and Reviewing Reporting Requirements from Licensing. Child care providers are reminded to select “Submit Request” before leaving the page when changing prices in the Child Care Provider Portal. The August application period for Round 2 of CCC is closed and applications are being reviewed. 

The August CCC application period 11:59 p.m. tonight! Join us on September 20 for Tuesday Talks. Topic is Children with special needs. Providers are required to report if a child receiving Wisconsin Shares has not attended in the past 30 days. Reminder: DCF is hiring. 

The August Child Care Counts application period has been extended until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, September 6.

The August application period for Round 2 of CCC closes tomorrow! Registration for the WECA Conference is now open. Come work with us! DCF is hiring. 

Complete your August Round 2 CCC application today! The August application period for Round 2 of CCC closes on Friday, September 2. Learn more about the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program! Training is on September 20. Come work with us! DECE is hiring.
 

See the Monkeypox guidance from DHS and the CDC. August 22 – September 2 is the August application period for Round 2 of the CCC Stabilization Payment Program. Come and work with us! DCF/DECE is hiring multiple positions. Reminder: Learn about and register for the 2022 WECA conference September 29 – October 1. Please return your BIF to your CCR&R today!
 

August 22 – September 2 is the application period for Round 2 of the CCC Stabilization Payment Program. Don’t delay! Start your Round 2 application today!  Come work with us! DECE is hiring multiple positions. 

Read the updated CDC COVID-19 Guidance for child care programs and share it with families. Get ready! Round 2 of the CCC Stabilization Payment Program starts Monday, August 22. Come work with us! DECE is hiring multiple positions. 

Update/Application Week for Round 2 of the CCC Stabilization Payment Program starts August 22. Count Weeks are August 7-20. Learn about and register for the 2022 WECA conference Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. Read the DHS press release encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations for a healthy school year. Come work with us! DECE is hiring multiple positions. Please complete and return your BIF to your local CCR&R now! 

The July CCC application/update week is closed. Round 2 begins August 22. View the DECE job listings and join our team!

Read about our DCF DECE Administrator being Chosen as 2022 Ascend Fellow. Join us for Tuesday Talks with DECE on August 16. Save the date for the upcoming Out-of-School Time conference November 1-2. Please fill out the WEESSN staffing and enrollment survey by August 19. The July CCC application/update week is closed. Reminder about when to submit a VPA. 
 

There is a YoungStar transition coming soon. Review updated guidance on Voluntary Repayment Agreements. Reminder to check your background check notices and get fingerprints done. The July Child Care Counts application period is closed and applications are being reviewed. DCF is hiring for multiple positions. Come work with us!

July Child Care Counts application has been re-opened until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 3. DCF is hiring for multiple positions. Come work with us!

July Child Care Counts application has been re-opened until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 3.

The July Child Care Counts Application/Update week closes tomorrow - July 29. Please return your completed BIF to your CCR&R. Reminder: Southern Regional Office is moving to TGT on August 2. Reminder: Read about maintaining or restoring water quality if you closed temporarily closed your facilities. DCF is hiring for multiple positions. Come work with us!
 

This week is CCC application/update week and CCC audit letters have gone out. Watch for the Wisconsin Shares postcard mailing going out July 29 to families with current Wisconsin Shares Authorizations. If you missed last week's Tuesday Talks with DECE, the July Tuesday Talks recording is now available online.
 

Child Care Counts Application/Update Week is next week - 7/25-29. Child Care Counts audit letters are going out soon. A Wisconsin Shares postcard mailing is going out July 29 to families with current Wisconsin Shares Authorizations. Check your background check notices and get your fingerprints done timely. DCF is hiring multiple positions within the Division of Early Care and Education. The Bureau of Early Care Regulation – Southern Regional Licensing Office will begin moving building locations on August 2, 2022.

June Child Care Counts payments available tomorrow via letters in the Child Care Provider Portal. Save the Date! July 19 is the next Tuesday Talks with DECE. 

July CCC Stabilization Payment Program Count Weeks are July 10-23. Save the Date! July 19 is the next Tuesday Talks with DECE. Learn about the free training from WECAN and CYSHCN and how parents can access it. Participate in the Family Engagement Collaboration Call on July 27. CCR&Rs need you to complete your Business Intake Form (BIF).
 

There's still time to sign up for WEESSN Tier 1 Services for free! Child Care Counts Stabilization Payment Program Round 2 begins in August. Providers can learn more about Wisconsin Shares Program Integrity through a handy training video and booklet. Beat the heat and review the Summer Heat Safety Tips and keep summer fun!
 

Summer staffing changes? Make sure your CCPP and staff background check information is accurate and up-to-date. Reminder: The June 21 Tuesday Talks with DECE recording about Child Care Counts is available. Reminder: The June Child Care Counts application period is closed and applications are being reviewed.
 

The June 21 Tuesday Talks with DECE recording about Child Care Counts is available. View it now! CACFP provides questions and answers about the infant formula shortage to support CACFP operators and their families. The June Child Care Counts application period is closed and applications are being reviewed. Read about Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality for temporarily closed child care centers.
 

June Child Care Counts application/update period is closed. Applications are being reviewed.

June Child Care Counts application/update period closes tomorrow - June 24 at 11:59 p.m. The T.E.A.C.H. application deadline for the fall semester is July 1. Learn more in the REWARD and T.E.A.C.H updates.

Join us TODAY – June 21 – on Zoom for the new Tuesday Talks with DECE at 1:30 p.m. It's time to update your Child Care Counts applications this week. Sign up for free training for Children’s Long-Term Support Program for children with special needs. Read about the REWARD and T.E.A.C.H expansions.
 

Get ready! Next week (June 20-24), is the next Child Care Counts Application/Update Week. Join us June 21 on Zoom for the new Tuesday Talks with DECE at 1:30 p.m.
 

Join us June 21 on Zoom for the new Tuesday Talks with DECE at 1:30 p.m. Next week, June 20-24, is the next Child Care Counts Application Update Week. DHS is offering free COVID-19 testing for all recreational, educational, and day camps.
 

Providers are required to report if a child receiving Wisconsin Shares has not attended in the past 30 days. Check your Provider Portal for May Child Care Counts payments, available tomorrow, June 10. Get ready - the next Child Care Counts Application Update Week is June 20-24.

Read the CACFP Infant Formula Tips for dealing with the formula shortage. May Child Care Counts payments available June 10, in the Provider Portal. June 20-24 is the next Child Care Counts Application Update Week.
 

Check out the Free Child Care Foundational Training Now Available! Read about the summer heat safety tips to ensure summertime fun remains fun. Register for the AHT Train the Trainer training online on June 7.

Read about the Project Growth! grant recipients. Reminder: Additional one-time payment coming June 2 for Child Care Counts Spring 2021 Response and Relief Program. Reminder: The Free Child Care Foundational Training starts June 1. 
 

DCF has identified approximately $2.6M in available unused funding from the Child Care Counts Payment Program from the previous Spring 2021 round. An additional payment is coming in June for Child Care Counts Spring 2021 Response and Relief Program. Register for the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Train the Trainer Training on June 7. Reminder: The May Child Care Counts payment program application period is closed. 

The May Child Care Counts payment program application period is closed. Read about the DHS recommendation for the COVID-19 booster for everyone 5 years of age and older. Read the DHS Tips for Families During National Infant Formula Shortage. Be sure to send in your Child Care Immunization Assessment by May 31. Learn about the Advancing Equity in Wisconsin’s Early Education Workforce study. Read about maintaining or restoring water quality information for temporarily closed child care centers.
 

The May Child Care Counts Application/Update period closes tomorrow - May 20 at 11:59 p.m. Please read the updates to COVID-19 Guidance for child care providers. Reminder: Learn about the upcoming Free Foundational Child Care Training coming June 1.
 

This week is Child Care Counts Application/Update Week! Update your staff and child records as needed. Deadline to apply is May 20. Reminder: Big changes coming to REWARD and T.E.A.C.H. programs. 

Sweeping changes are coming to WECA's T.E.A.C.H. and REWARD Programs. The May Child Care Counts application/update period starts in two weeks: May 16-20. 

DCF announces Free Child Care Foundational Training beginning June 1. Reminder that the Child Care Immunization Assessment is due May 31. The May Child Care Counts application/update period starts in two weeks: May 16-20. 

DCF celebrates Child Care Provider Appreciation Day – May 6. This week is also Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6). ECE professionals are encouraged to apply to serve on the Commission on Professional Excellence in ECE. The May Child Care Counts application/update period starts in two weeks: May 16-20. 
 

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6 and May 6 is Provider Appreciation Day. The May Child Care Counts application/update period starts in two weeks: May 16-20.  Reminder: Learn more about the Healthy Environments for Kids DHS’ Safekeeping Campaign.

The Cost of Care survey closes April 30. Please return your survey today! Read the latest PDG news in this week’s newsletter! The May Child Care Counts application/update period is May 16-20. 

This week is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week. Thank someone who made a difference in your life or the life of your child. Learn more about the Healthy Environments for Kids DHS’ Safekeeping Campaign. The Office of Child Care’s National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance is partnering with Tom Copeland on one more upcoming webinar on improving business practices for family child care (FCC) providers. The April Child Care Counts application/update period is closed. The May Child Care Counts application/update period is May 16-20. 
 

Watch the program integrity training for child care providers. Time is running out to return your Cost of Care survey. Read the tips for parents on healthy screen time use for children just release by the Office of Children's Mental Health. Reminder: the April Child Care Counts application/update period is closed. The May Child Care Counts application/update period is May 16-20. 

The April Child Care Counts application/update period is now closed. The May Child Care Counts application/update period is May 16-20. 
 

Two days left to apply/update applications for April Child Care Counts! Deadline is Friday, April 15. Read about the upcoming American Indian Studies events with DPI and other partners. Return your Cost of Care Survey by April 30. Learn about the new funding opportunity for ECE workforce apprenticeship programs. Register for Tom Copeland webinars on April 20 and May 4. Reminder: Make sure you are maintaining or restoring your water quality after temporary or prolonged closures.

It's Child Care Counts Application/Update Week! Time to update your staff and child records in the Provider Portal. Learn more about the launch of Raising Wisconsin - a statewide initiative dedicated to advocating for transformational change in Wisconsin’s early care and education system and optimal child health and well-being.

Next week - April 11-15 - is Child Care Counts Update/Application Week. Now is the time to ensure all staff and/or household members are listed in the Provider Portal. Have you updated your background check information in the Provider Portal? Reminder: providers may request KN-95 masks from your local public health department while supplies last. 

We're celebrating Week of the Young Child April 2-8. Looking for masks for children ages 4-12? Child care providers may contact their local public health department for masks while supplies last. Now is the time to update your Child Care Provider Portal with current or prospective employees and household members. April 11-15 is the next Child Care Counts Application/Update Week. The Cost of Care survey closes soon - April 30. Submit your Child Care Immunization Assessment online by May 31, 2022. 

One day left to spend funding from Spring 2021 Child Care Counts Response and Relief Program – deadline is April 1. The Project Growth grants deadline is April 4. Review the new Child Care Counts important dates webpage. Reminder: free Child Care Foundational Training coming soon. Check out the free, helpful tools so providers can easily share children/student records. 
 

Read about free Child Care Foundational Training coming soon. Learn about public service loan forgiveness for the ECE workforce. Read about free, helpful tools so providers can easily share children/student records. Reminder: April 4 is the deadline to apply for Project Growth grants! Reminder: Make sure your center’s background check information is up to date in the Provider Portal. Reminder: Spring 2021 Child Care Counts Response and Relief Program spending deadline is April 1. Reminder: Register for the upcoming April and May Tom Copeland webinars. Reminder: The March Child Care Counts application/update period is closed. March 27 – April 9 is the April Child Care Counts Count Week. 
 

Is your center's background check information up to date in the Provider Portal? Summer programs and day camps need to enter all new staff in the Provider Portal. Bookmark the new Child Care Counts Payment Program Important Dates webpage! Read the latest Project Growth updates and apply for the grant programs by April 4. The March Child Care Counts updates and applications are being reviewed. The Spring 2021 Response and Relief Program funds must be spent by April 1, 2022. 

The March Child Care Counts application/update period is closed. Read about the upcoming Tom Copeland webinars for family child care providers. Reminder: Spring 2021 Child Care Counts Response and Relief Program spending deadline is April 1. Reminder: today is the last day to apply for the IS Business Consultant position in BOP. 

Only two days left to apply for March Child Care Counts funds. Deadline is Friday, March 18. The Spring 2021 Child Care Counts Response and Relief Program spending deadline is April 1. Applications for Project Growth grants are due April 4. The deadline for the Cost of Care Survey is April 30. Learn about the new Risk and Reach website - a tool is intended to assess the needs of young children, birth to 5, as well as potential gaps in services delivered by state and federal programs. DCF is hiring an IS Business Consultant - deadline is March 22. 

This is Child Care Counts application/update week! You must update your staff and child records in the Child Care Provider Portal. Never applied for Child Care Counts? Now is the time to apply in the Child Care Provider Portal so you don’t miss out on funds! Time is running out - April 4 is the deadline to apply for Project Growth grants. DCF is hiring an Information Systems Business Consultant - deadline to apply is March 22.

DCF is hiring for a Bureau of Operations and Planning Information Systems (IS) Business Consultant. March 14-18 is Child Care Counts Application/Update Week. Project Growth grant applications are now open, with priority consideration for Partner Up! ending on March 14. You can also view on-demand webinars and attend upcoming live webinars, including a new Dream Up! webinar on March 14.

The Promoting Early Childhood Conference is right around the corner - register today! Reminder: the new Child Care Counts Spending Tool Training Video is available. Watch it today! Reminder: Project Growth Applications are open. Attend a webinar to learn more!

Project Growth grant applications are now open. You can also view on-demand webinars and attend upcoming live webinars. There's a new Spending Tool video available in the Child Care Counts resources section. The Child Care Counts February application/update period is closed. Attend an Info Session on WEESSN Tier 1 Services. The deadline to complete your cost of care survey is April 30.

Project Growth grant applications are now open. Stay up-to-date on maintaining or restoring water quality in ECE facilities after temporary or prolonged closures. DHS shared an alert regarding a recall on informant formula. Help share important Information with families receiving Wisconsin Shares. Read the recently released Wisconsin Employer Perceptions of Early Care and Education: 2021 Research Snapshot. The Child Care Counts February application/update period is closed. 

DHS shared an alert regarding a recall on informant formula. Help share important Information with families receiving Wisconsin Shares. Attend the Project Growth Webinar on February 28 at noon and subsequent webinars on Partner Up! and Dream Up! grant programs. Read the recently released Wisconsin Employer Perceptions of Early Care and Education: 2021 Research Snapshot. The Child Care Counts February application/update period is closed. Applications are being reviewed. Want to work at DCF? DECE is hiring a Bureau of Early Care Regulation Director. 

Register to attend the Project Growth Webinar on February 28 at noon! The Child Care Counts February application/update period is closed. Applications are being reviewed. Register for the virtual PEC 2022 Conference. Want to work at DCF? DECE is hiring a Bureau of Early Care Regulation Director. Submit your input for the WMELS Review Process by March 2. 

Only two days left to apply/update your February Child Care Counts application! The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on February 18. Make sure your correct email address is on your Child Care Counts application. Want to work at DCF? We're hiring a Bureau of Early Care Regulation Director. Deadline to apply is February 28. Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) public comment period for the review process goes through March 2. Watch your mail for a Cost of Care Survey and fill it out right away. Deadline to complete surveys is April 30. The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health announced the publication of a new fact sheet Supporting Child Well-Being through COVID-19 Grief.

This week is Child Care Counts application/update week! If you were approved for the January payment, you must update your staff and child records in the Child Care Provider Portal this week. Register today for the WEESSN Tier 1 Services info session on February 23. Reminder: On January 1, 2022, Wisconsin Shares rates increased for many families. Reminder: COVID-19 Resources are available for child care, Head Start, and school-age programs. Read about accessing adult masks and testing options. 

DCF announces additional $194 million investment in early care and education! Get ready to update your staff and child records as needed. Next week - February 14-18 - is the February Child Care Counts Application/Update Week. Read about how you can get more COVID-19 resources for child care, Head Start, and school-age programs. Start getting ready to apply for one or both of Project Growth’s grant programs: Partner Up! and Dream Up! Grant applications for both programs will open February 28 and close April 4.

Next week is Child Care Counts Application/Update Week! Prepare to update your staff and child records as needed. WEESSN Tier 1 Services are available for family child care providers. Register for the March 9 webinar to learn more! DCF is hiring a Child Care Licensing Program Specialist. Today is the last day to apply! Register for the WFCCA conference in Green Bay, April 29-30. 

DCF is hiring a Child Care Licensing Program Specialist - apply today! Register for the WFCCA conference in Green Bay April 28-30.  Reminder: Many families saw an increase in the monthly Wisconsin Shares subsidy amount starting January 1. Now through February 12 is the Child Care Counts February Count Weeks.

February 14-18 is the upcoming application/update week for Child Care Counts. DCF Partners with SFTA and FCF Project Growth to administer the Partner Up! and Dream Up! grant programs. Complete your Cost of Care survey by April 30. Center Directors: Attend the February 23 WEESSN Tier 1 information session to learn about their many supports. 

If your center cares for children ages 2-4 years, please watch your mailbox and email inboxes for a letter from the Department of Health Services (DHS) regarding the spring 2022 Child Care Immunization Assessment. The standards review process for the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS)  is now open. Public input will be captured via an online survey. The January Child Care Counts applications and updates are being processed. The next application/update period is February 14-18, 2022. 

The January Child Care Counts application/update period is closed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by February 11. Watch for the new Cost of Care (Market Rate) Survey coming soon from your CCR&R! The survey deadline is April 30. Read about water quality tips following a temporary or prolonged facility closure. YoungStar addresses staffing crisis with updates to the Grace Policy. 

Only two days left to apply/update your January Child Care Counts information. The deadline is Friday, January 21 at 11:59 p.m. Reminder: Read the updated COVID-19 recommendations for child care settings. 

Review last Friday's updated COVID-19 recommendations for child care settings. This week is Application/Update Week for January. Update your Provider Portal by 11:59 p.m. on January 21.

Read the updated COVID-19 recommendations for child care settings based on new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for the general public. Learn about updated isolation and quarantine period recommendations. For assistance in determining the length of isolation or quarantine, please use the decision tree in our COVID-19: When a Child or Staff Member Can Return to Care. 

Child Care Counts Reminders: January 2-15 are the Count Weeks for January applications/updates. Next week, January 17-21, 2022, is the new Application/Update Week. Make sure your Child Care Provider Portal information is up to date and accurate. 

Read the latest Child Care Counts reminders: January 17-21 is the new Application/Update Week. Submit a proposal for breakout sessions at the March 16-17 virtual  Promoting Early Childhood Conference. 

Read the numerous Child Care Counts Reminders - especially the updated Temporary Closure information. Read the new Temporary Closure Guide. Get the details on the historic Wisconsin Shares rate increase that reaches over 28,000 children. Read the updated DHS public health practices for children above age 2. Check out the new Early Childhood Health Consultation website. Get ready for the next round of Child Care Counts payments by updating  your Child Care Provider Portal. Learn more about the WEESSN Family Child Care Toolkit. Get your pandemic questions answered and register for the Sleeves Up for the Kids free webinar. 

DHS urges public health practices to keep kids safe. Register for free webinar: Sleeves Up for the Kids. December CCC payments coming this week. Learn about the public hearing on January 5 for child care licensing proposed rule revisions.