July 11 Child Care Provider Updates

Child Care Provider Portal Available in Spanish

The Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) is now available in Spanish. To access the Spanish version, click on ‘Ver en Español’ link on the lower left of the pages. Note that some functionality will be translated later. Examples of functionality that have not yet been translated are:Screenshot Child Care Provider Portal Login Page with Spanish Link Indicated

  • Screen validations
  • Error messages
  • Some minor screen standards

A Spanish version of the user guide will be published soon. If you have questions about CCPP, access the Contacts page in the CCPP for further details.

Other CCPP Resources

Provider Registration Fees Beginning this Fall

Beginning October 1, 2023, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will begin providing parents with funds to pay provider registration fees upon the parent’s request. Registration fees are fees that a provider initially charges to enroll or register the child or charges on an annual basis to continue the child’s enrollment. Registration fees are not transportation fees, supply fees, late pick-up fees, etc. that a provider charges separately from a registration fee. The parent can receive a maximum of the provider’s registration fee amount or $125, whichever is the lower, twice in a 12-month period. This amount is per child.

Providers may start entering in their registration fees now in the Provider Portal. Starting in December 2023, the provider must have fees entered in the Provider Portal for the parent to be able to receive funds. If the provider does not have fees entered, the parent’s request for registration fees will be denied. Please visit the Provider Portal User Guide for information on how to enter registration fees. Instructions on how to enter registration fees begin on page 32 under Adding Parent Fees. When entering the registration fee, providers must select the “Per Child” radio button on the “Level” field. If a provider does not use the Provider Portal, they will be able to call the local agency beginning December 1 to report their fees for the local agency to enter. Workers will not be able to enter this information prior to December 1.

While the department will initially only provide additional funds for registration fees, providers are able to enter any other fees they charge parents (i.e., meal/snack, field trip, transportation, supply fee, etc.) in the Provider Portal. This will provide information for potential future decisions regarding additional funds for provider fees. For any questions regarding registration fees, please contact your local agency.

Tuesday Talks: Watch the June Recording and Mark Your Calendar for July

Did you miss the June Tuesday Talks with DECE? The link to the June 20 talk with a Brief Budget Update and YoungStar Connect is now available in the June 20, 2023 accordion on the Tuesday Talks with DECE Recordings webpage.

Tuesday Talks with DECE are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next webinar is July 18 at 1:30 p.m. and we will discuss Child Care Counts, Background Checks, and other updates. Note: Tuesday Talks, July-December 2023 will use a new Zoom link. If you have saved the link from January-June, please visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the new Zoom link and learn about future topics.

Learn more about Tuesday Talks on the DCF website. Información de las charlas del martes en español.

Child Care Licensing Rule Books Available for Sale

Printed child care licensing rule books are now available for sale! Copies of the administrative code are formatted and bound in booklets with a table of contents, an index, and additional appendices. The following manuals can be purchased:

  • DCF 250 Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers
  • DCF 251 Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Centers
  • DCF 252 Licensing Rules for Day Camps

Printed copies of the child care licensing rule books can be ordered from the department for a fee of $15 per copy. To order a printed copy of a rule book, please fill out the order form at the bottom of the “Instructions for Obtaining Child Care Licensing Rule Books and Commentary Manuals” document. Use of this form is voluntary; however, if the requested information is not provided, the department may be unable to process your request. Payment must be submitted as a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Department of Children and Families. All rule book orders may be sent to the Northern Regional Office at:

Department of Children and Families
2187 N Stevens St Ste C
Rhinelander, WI 54501

Printed copies of commentary manuals will not be made available for sale. Copies of both the child care licensing rule books and commentary manuals are available online free of charge and may be duplicated without penalty.

Questions regarding rule book sale may be directed to Steven LaBrasca at 715-361-7713 or via email at steven.labrasca@wisconsin.gov.

Resources

Child Care Counts June Payments Available by July 14

Applications for the June Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by July 14, 2023, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

The July Count Weeks are July 9-22. The next update/application period is July 22-30. 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.

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.

  • February 2023 funds must be spent by July 15, 2023.
  • March 2023 funds must be spent by August 12, 2023.
  • April 2023 funds must be spent by September 16, 2023.

If you 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.

Reminder: DECE is Hiring Multiple Positions

DCF/Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) is hiring.

  • The Bureau of Early Care Regulation is recruiting to fill a Licensing/Certification Specialist position in Wisconsin Rapids. This position will evaluate, license, and monitor assigned child care programs (family child care, group child care, day camps) to determine compliance with regulations established by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in order to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the children being served. The deadline to apply for this position is July 13.
  • The Bureau of Operations and Planning (BOP) is recruiting to fill a Portfolio Manager The Portfolio Manager will work closely with contracted project managers and other staff within BOP to manage one or more program-level portfolio(s). The Portfolio Manager is responsible for the direction, coordination, implementation, flow, and completion of projects, while remaining aligned with the vision, mission, strategy, and goals of the department. This role will also carry project manager responsibilities which include developing detailed project plans, ensuring resource availability and allocation, overseeing the implementation process and delivery of projects on time within budget and scope and reporting progress, risks, and outcomes to program areas. The deadline to apply for this position is July 17.

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, view all open DCF positions, and to apply, visit Wisc.Jobs.