March 14 Child Care Provider Updates

DHS 144 New Immunization Requirements Suspended

On March 9, 2023, the Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) voted to suspend the Department of Health Services’ changes to the Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. DHS 144 impacting immunization requirements made on January 30, 2023. Due to the suspension, parents are no longer required to obtain documentation of a diagnosis of chickenpox from a qualified health provider for their child to be exempt from the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine at this time.

DHS is working to review the effects the suspension will have on child care centers and will provide additional information and guidance as soon as they are able. If you have any questions regarding the suspension, please email DHSImmProgram@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Additional Resources

Child Care Counts March Application Period Starts Next Week

Get ready - the next update/application period is next week: March 20-24, 2023. Organize your records now so you are ready for update/application week. You must review and update your application every month.

Apply for Payment Program C – Promoting Inclusive Spaces in March Only

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is launching a one-time payment - Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program C to support Wisconsin’s early care and education community in promoting inclusive spaces in high-quality child care centers.

Overview of Payment Program C – Promoting Inclusive Spaces

  • Providers do not need to have children with disabilities currently enrolled to apply for Payment Program C.   
  • This is a one-time payment and will only be available during the March 2023 Application (3/20–3/24/23).
  • Providers need to complete a separate Program C application during the March Application/Update Week. This application will be very similar to programs A and B.

Funding for Program C is designed to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities and/or developmental delays to allow all children to fully participate in the child care program.

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

February Payment Information

Applications submitted by the February 24 deadline:

  • Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by March 17, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

Applications submitted before the March 10 extended deadline:

  • Late-submitted applications will be reviewed on a delayed schedule, and approved applications will receive payment on April 12.

If you have questions or need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650.

Child Care Counts Información en español.

Don’t Forget to Submit Your Dream Up! Application by March 17 

The Dream Up! Child Care Supply-Building Grant Program is a community-focused program. Through this program, awarded communities receive strategic planning support and $75,000 in grant funding. Additional $5,000 stipends will be given to participating child care providers who submit updated business plans during the strategic planning process. Through a collaborative community approach, teams of community stakeholders will work to evaluate, plan, sustain, and expand existing child care, and support new child care programs. 

Check out these resources before submitting your application: 

As a reminder, child care providers are encouraged to participate in a community’s Core Team, but may not be the Core Team Lead. 

Deadline to apply: Friday, March 17, 2023 at 5 p.m. CST. 

YoungStar Listening Sessions – New Dates

In partnership with DCF, Shine Early Learning will be hosting in-person listening sessions in each region to learn about challenges, needs, and successes. These sessions will help guide statewide and regional program and resource development on both the quality and regulation side of early care and education.

The previously canceled session in Milwaukee has been rescheduled and a Milwaukee session in Spanish has been added. Use the RSVP links to register for each session.

  • Milwaukee Spanish Session | RSVP - note corrected link
    March 29 – 6-8 p.m.
    United Community Center
     
  • Milwaukee | RSVP - note corrected link
    March 30 – 6-8 p.m.
    Hilton Milwaukee City Center
    Empire Ballroom
     
  • Rhinelander Postponed until April 6 – 6-8 p.m.
    As soon as the venue is finalized, we will send more information.

Additional in-person sessions in Spanish will be scheduled in April, as well as a virtual session in late March/early April.
 

The Next Tuesday Talks with DECE is March 21 

Tuesday Talks with DECE are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next webinar is March 21 at 1:30 p.m. and we will discuss Rule Revisions (DCF 250, 251, and 252) and Regulation 101. Registration is not required for these events. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and learn about future topics.
 

Coming Soon: Printed Revised Child Care Licensing Rule Books for Purchase

March 1 marked the first day of new rules going into effect for licensed child care providers. Staff are currently working on making printed copies of the revised rule books available for providers for purchase. The availability date is to be determined, and providers will be notified when the rule books become available for purchase. Each printed copy will cost $15.

In the meantime, a free PDF copy of the revised rule books are available through the DCF Publications Search page, or you may access the rule books from the direct links below. If you have any questions regarding printed rule books for purchase at this time, you may contact Amanda St. Martin at amanda.stmartin@wisconsin.gov.

Additional Resources

Learn more about Tuesday Talks on the DCF website.

Have you heard about Wisconsin’s ECHC Program?

Do you know about the Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) Program and how it works to support Wisconsin’s early care and education providers and programs?  Watch this brief overview video to learn more!

Did you miss the recent ECHC webinar, “Straight Talk About Vaccines?”  You can watch the webinar recording to learn more about how our immune system works and the role vaccines play. The PowerPoint presentation is also available.

We are also excited to announce that the first Teachers, Toddlers and Tissues ECHC Podcast is now available! Listen and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform.

Additional Resources