February 7 Child Care Provider Updates

Watch for Your 1099 Form from FIS

It's tax time! If you accept Wisconsin Shares at your child care program or you have received Child Care Counts funds, you will receive a 1099 form for 2022 from Fidelity National Information Services (FIS). Watch for yours in the mail.

DHS Immunization Updates for Children in Child Care Centers

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced updates to immunizations for children in regulated child care centers. Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. DHS 144, Immunization of Students, have made two changes that child care providers should note.

• The first update is related to the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine in which parent report of chickenpox is no longer acceptable for exemption from the vaccine. Children must have a diagnosis from a qualified health care provider to be exempt from this requirement.
• The second update will require that child care centers must report outbreaks of chickenpox (varicella), mumps, and meningococcal to their local health departments. These communicable diseases are already considered reportable in certification and licensing rule.

Providers who use the Child Care Immunization Record form to comply with vaccination record requirements should be sure to use the most up-to-date form. Providers are also expected to follow all reporting requirements as dictated by certification and licensing rule. If you have any questions, please email DHSImmProgram@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Additional Resources

• DHS Press Release
• Chapter DHS 144
• Updated Child Care Immunization Record Form

Child Care Counts February Application Period is February 20-24

The February Count Weeks are February 5-18. The next update/application period is February 20-24, 2023. Organize your records now so you are ready for update/application week. You must review and update your application every month. You risk overpayment if you don’t properly update your application. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks.

The latest payment program application period is closed. Applications for the January Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. 

• Providers will be notified of their eligibility for January funds by February 10, 2023, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

Spending Deadline Reminder

All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days from the date of the payment letter. See the Use of Funds section of the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

• September 2022 funds must be spent by February 18, 2023.
• October 2022 funds must be spent by March 18, 2023.

If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and leave your detailed questions at 608-535-3650.

Child Care Counts Información en español.

A Child Care Symposium: Innovations for Today, Solutions for Tomorrow

The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), along with Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) and Raising Wisconsin, are cohosting the following event:

A Child Care Symposium: Innovations for Today, Solutions for Tomorrow

Wednesday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Glacier Canyon Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells

An engaging day on the state of child care in Wisconsin, the value of local innovations, and long-term solutions for the future. The event will feature perspective from the Department of Children and Families, Bipartisan Policy Center, a rich conversation between a Chamber of Commerce, a working parent, and a child care program to uncover continued challenges and point to long-term solutions, and afternoon breakout sessions.

The event will also provide updates on Project Growth, Raising Wisconsin advocacy efforts, and coalition building. Visit the WCA website to learn more and register. Registration is free and includes lunch.  

Space is limited, so please register soon, and help get the word out in your community!

Register for the Annual Statewide Wisconsin Chili Lunch! 

Join ECE sites, schools, hospitals, colleges, and more to celebrate farm to school and local foods on February 23 for the annual Wisconsin Chili Lunch. Participation is simple: Prepare and serve your Wisconsin chili lunch using as many locally grown ingredients as possible and customize it to meet your needs! Add local meats, cheese, or yogurt. Serve it in a bowl, on a baked potato, or with a cinnamon roll! Use an ECE recipe provided on the website or cook up your own favorite chili recipe.

The Wisconsin Chili Lunch highlights farm to school, encourages the use of Wisconsin-grown foods, and supports our local farmers. Join forces across the state to "Be Vocal For Local" by registering today! When you register, you'll receive the Wisconsin Chili Lunch Guide and other materials to support you as you purchase local food and plan a successful event. The key is to source as many Wisconsin-grown products as you can. Register for the Wisconsin Chili Lunch! Questions? Contact Emily Latham.

2023 Wisconsin Family Child Care Association Conference May 4-6

Save the date – May 4-6 – for this year’s Wisconsin Family Child Care Association (WFCCA) conference – Play Your Own Tune. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency at 333 Main Street in Green Bay.

• Friday Keynote: Patty Stirling will present “Music, Movement & Media – For Active Learners”.
• Saturday Keynote: features Dr. Angela Searcy presenting “Elevating Equity in Early Childhood”.

Read about the conference details. Register for the conference. Questions? Email WISfcca@gmail.com.

DCF is Hiring

The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau of Early Care Regulation, is hiring a Licensing/Certification Specialist position in their northeastern region. This position evaluates, licenses and monitors assigned child care programs (family child care, group child care, day camps) through in-person on-site visits to determine compliance with regulations established by the Department of Children and Families in order to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the children being served.  This position is headquartered at our 200 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI location. The deadline to apply for this position is February 10, 2023. View all open DCF positions at Wisc.Jobs.