September 5 Child Care Provider Updates Updated Written Payment Agreements Needed You must update all Written Payment Agreements for new and currently enrolled families who receive Wisconsin Shares to include all fees that you charge parents. All of your Written Payment Agreements must be updated by January 1, 2024. If your Written Payment Agreement already includes all fees that you charge families, you do not need to make any updates. You are required to have Written Payment Agreements with all parents who receive Wisconsin Shares. Visit our Wisconsin Shares for Child Care Providers page to learn more about Written Payment Agreements. You can use the department’s template for Provider/Parent Payment Agreements or create your own document using the department’s Written Payment Agreement Checklist. If you have any questions, please contact the Child Care Help Desk at childcare@wisconsin.gov. September Child Care Counts Update Period is Coming Soon The next Child Care Counts update period is September 23 – October 1, 2023. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. Applications for the August Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by September 8, 2023, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. In order to continue to participate in the remainder of Child Care Counts Stabilization Round 3 (September 2023 – January 2024), you must have submitted an application and been approved for payment during at least one of the May, June, July, or August 2023 payment rounds. 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. Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in ECE Facilities After Temporary or Prolonged Closures Building closures lasting for weeks or months result in reduced water usage. This reduced usage can lead to stagnant water inside building plumbing and water coolers. Take proactive steps to protect the health of children and staff by flushing water prior to reopening. For more information and steps for maintaining water quality, be sure to review and use the resources below. EPA Resources Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use Restoring Water Quality in Buildings for Reopening Checklist CDC Resources Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation Lead and Copper in Building Systems with Low or No Use Legionella and Other Biofilm-Associated Bacteria 5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown If you have questions, please contact your licensing specialist or certification worker. ECHC Webinar September 14: Medical Urgencies vs. Medical Emergencies: What’s the difference and how to respond Life- or limb-threatening emergencies are weighty topics. Let’s talk about the differences between medical urgencies (common and often “can wait”) and medical emergencies (uncommon but require an ambulance) in early childhood care and education settings through an empowering, informative way. Hopefully you will go your whole career without being involved in a medical emergency, but we know they happen. This webinar is to provide supportive information and help early childhood care providers feel prepared. Kelly O’Connor (Registered Nurse and ECHC Health Consultant) and Dr. Dipesh Navsaria (Pediatrician and ECHC Director) will facilitate this 60-minute webinar. Time will be available following the presentation for live question & answer. Join the ECHC, a Registry Training Sponsored Organization, in exploring best health & safety practices for early childhood care & education, while having the opportunity of free continuing education credits for early childhood providers. Webinar – September 14 – 1 p.m.Register Today! Questions? Reach out to the ECHC team at echc@sohe.wisc.edu Reminder: Wisconsin Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Virtual Conference Don't miss out! Registration for the 2023 Wisconsin Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (WI-AIMH) Virtual Conference is now open! A limited number of scholarships are available. View the scholarship application. This year's conference will feature a keynote presentation by Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. In this presentation based on her book "The Yes Brain" (co-authored with Dr. Dan Siegel), Dr. Bryson discusses specific strategies for creating Yes Brain opportunities that allow us to thrive in our lives. Virtual conference – October 10, 2023Register today! Reminder: Wisconsin Afterschool Network Relaunches Website with Additional School-Age Resources You’re invited to explore the updated Wisconsin Afterschool Network website! Their website will help with the work of keeping school-age programs and program staff connected - supporting all things Out-of-School Time related in Wisconsin. With networking opportunities, resources to support quality programming and advocacy efforts, and personalized requests for technical assistance - their new website is a one-stop shop. To access all our site has to offer, create your free membership by completing a simple form located on the website under Become a Member in Quick Links. Once you log in, please complete your profile (it is searchable to help people find you) and provides valuable information about you and your program! Contact wisconsinafterschoolnetwork@marshfieldclinic.org with any questions.
