September 12 Child Care Provider Updates Upcoming Wisconsin Shares Full-time/Part-time Information Sessions The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is hosting several in-person and virtual information sessions for families about the upcoming Wisconsin Shares policy changes. Policy is being changed to improve the family-friendly approaches of the Wisconsin Shares Subsidy program. The new policy starts on October 1, 2023. Beginning with October benefits, Wisconsin Shares subsidies will change from an hourly amount to a part-time or full-time amount. Parents will also be able to receive limited funds to pay provider registration fees. Parents are welcome to attend these sessions and learn more about the Wisconsin Shares policy changes coming this fall. Note: A provider-focused Information session will be held on Tuesday, September 19, at 1:30 p.m., during Tuesday Talks with DECE. Please share the dates, times, and locations of these sessions with your families who are utilizing Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy. Milwaukee County In-Person Parent/Caregiver Information Session Hosted by Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA)Register for our in-person information session. Space is limited, so register today! Wednesday, September 20, at 5:30 p.m.United Community Center1028 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204English Registration Link Spanish Registration Link Statewide Virtual Parent/Caregiver Information Sessions These sessions will be held on Zoom. Links will be posted to our Wisconsin Shares Policy Changes webpage. Thursday, September 21 (English) – 1:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, September 27 (English) – 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 28 (Spanish only) – 6-7:30 p.m. September Child Care Counts Update Week is Coming Soon The next Child Care Counts Update Week is September 23 – October 1, 2023. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. Payment Amounts Providers were notified of their eligibility for August funds on September 8, 2023, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. August payment amounts (Payment Letter date 9/8/23) are based on the highest child and staff count from each provider’s May, June, July, or August application. These payment amounts will be the same for the remainder of Child Care Counts, as long as eligibility is maintained. If your staff count was lower in your August application, Base Per-Staff funds from Program B for staff that are no longer employed at your program must be used for compensation (wages, bonuses, benefits) for existing staff. This is the same process as in past rounds, and you do not have to do anything differently if your staff counts decrease moving forward. Please note, although payment amounts will not increase or decrease based on future child and staff counts, you must continue to update your application each month. For more information about payments, visit the updated How Payments are Determined page and the Child Care Counts Updates section – Payment Amounts Starting August 2023. Continued Participation Eligibility 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. YoungStar Connect Training Opportunities are Here! Register now for one or more upcoming YoungStar Connect training opportunities! Planning for Retirement: Where to Start as a Family Child Care ProgramThinking about retirement? Start the conversation with an experienced financial advisor. Join YoungStar Connect partner Satellite Family Child Care System for a virtual training custom-designed for family child care program owners. ¿Pensando en la jubilación? Comencemos la conversación con un asesor financiero experimentado. September 13 - 6-7:30 p.m.Location: Web-based (Zoom)Cost: FreeRegistration Link ¡Regístrese aquí!Language: English and Spanish Wisconsin Pyramid Model 8-Part Series The Wisconsin Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children is a framework to promote the social emotional well-being of children birth to age five. Registry Tier 3: Homework is required. *For group center participants, this training is best suited for a “team” of staff members and director to attend. Wisconsin Pyramid Model 8-Part Series: Milwaukee Region Face-to-Face Eight Sessions – October – JanuaryLocation: 4C Milwaukee, 1736 North 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212Cost: $80 for entire series due upon registrationRegistration Link Language: EnglishNote: There is a 35-participant limit, so please register early. Registration closes: Sept. 23, 2023. Wisconsin Pyramid Model 8-Part Series: Western Region Face to Face Eight Sessions – October – NovemberLocation: Child Care Partnership; 418 Wisconsin Street; Eau Claire, WI 54703Cost: $80 for entire series due upon registrationRegistration Link Language: EnglishNote: There is a 35-participant limit, so please register early. Registration closes: Sept. 23, 2023 FREE Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards Series The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards provide a common language and guidance for families, professionals, and policymakers around early childhood education and care. They articulate Wisconsin’s Guiding Principles to inform the application of the standards, and Wisconsin’s commitment to young children and families. Eight Sessions – October – NovemberTime: TBD. 2.5 hours per session plus 0.5 hours of homework to complete outside of the 8 virtual sessionsLocation: Web-based (Zoom)Cost: FreeRegistration Link
