May 2 Child Care Provider Updates

Get Background Checks for Summer Program and Day Camp Staff

Is your summer program or day camp hiring? Remember to get background checks for all staff. A minimum of preliminary eligibility from the Child Care Background Unit (CBU) is required before individuals may begin working. Any new staff need to be entered in the child care Provider Portal and a background check request form must be completed. Minor employees only need a name-based background check before starting. Returning staff that reside in other states need an FBI background check every year. These fingerprints may be completed in their home state if there is a Fieldprint location near them. Anyone who resides in your home over age 10 needs to be entered in the Provider Portal and a Background Check Request Form submitted.

If you have any questions about background checks, visit our webpage, or give us a call at 608-422-7400, or email us at DCFPlicBECRCBU@wisconsin.gov.  

April Child Care Counts Application Period is Closed

The latest payment program application period is closed. Applications for the April Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by May 19, 2023, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

Child Care Counts Round 3 Begins May 2023

The next application period is May 20 – June 4, 2023. The Count Weeks for the May application period are May 7-20.

There are some important changes coming for Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program Round 3.

Here are some of the biggest changes for Round 3:

  1. There will be a significant decrease in funding for Round 3
  2. There is a new participation deadline – providers must be approved for funding during one of the first four months (May, June, July, or August) to be eligible for future payments (September-January)
  3. The Update Week has been extended for each month – this change is a result of provider feedback

In addition, there are several changes to the Allowable Use of Funds due to federal requirements for the Round 3 funding source. See the Child Care Counts webpage and read the Round 3 Terms and Conditions for full details.

See the April Tuesday Talks for some highlights of what is the same, and what is different for Round 3.

Spending Deadline Reminder

  • All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days from the date of the payment letter. December 2022 funds must be spent by May 13, 2023.

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

Child Care Counts Información en español.

DCF is Hiring Several Positions

  • The Division of Early Care and Education, Administrator’s Office, is hiring a Policy Advisor-Career Executive This position reports to the Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) Administrator and serves as a member of the DECE leadership team along with the Division Administrator and the Deputy Division Administrator. This position functions as a key policy advisor with substantial authority on the formulation, determination and implementation of extremely complex external policy development and major interdepartmental initiatives to strengthen services for early care and education and family support. Please see the posting for further details. The deadline to apply for this position has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on May 4, 2023.
  • The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau Operations and Planning, is hiring a Contracts Specialist-Advanced This position will also assist in overseeing, executing, and monitoring of contracts and contract modifications throughout DECE program areas, in coordination with the Division of Management Services, Bureau of Finance, Grants and Contracts Section. Contracting responsibilities impact all 72 counties, up to 11 Tribes, and more than $350 million of the Department’s annual budget. Please see the posting for further details. The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on May 4, 2023.
  • The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau of Early Care Regulation, is hiring a Licensing/Certification Specialist position in their southern 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 to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the children being served. This position is headquartered at our 201 West Washington Ave., Madison location. Please see the posting for further details. The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on May 7, 2023.

The Department of Children and Families offers excellent benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment with many positions having the ability to work primarily remote. To learn more about the position and to apply, visit Wisc.Jobs.