May 3 Child Care Provider Updates During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) will send updates to everyone who has subscribed to the DCF Child Care listserv. Teacher Appreciation Week – May 2-6 This is Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6, and May 6 is Provider Appreciation Day. Thank you for your hard work to keep our children safe, encourage their curiosity, and prepare them for a lifetime of learning and growth. DCF recognizes all the ways teachers and providers have and continue to demonstrate a commitment to child development and overall well-being. Thank you! Our teachers and providers deserve to be celebrated each and every day. #ProviderAppreciationDay May Child Care Counts Application/Update Period Starts in Two Weeks This week and next week are the May Count Weeks for Child Care Counts. The next application/update period is May 16-20, 2022. Prepare to update your staff and child records. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds for their April application by May 13, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. New Child Care Counts Audit and Review Process Video Available Check out our latest training video: Child Care Counts Audit and Overview Training Video. This is a 15-minute general overview of the Audit and Review Process. This video explains what the audit process is and how the auditors confirm your financial reports and verify that funds were used in accordance with the program terms and conditions. The audio is in English, but Spanish closed captions are available. Other Helpful Tools and Resources A new Audit and Review Process video is available in the Video section. See the Temporary Closure Guide to learn how to select the appropriate COVID-19 Temporary Closure reason if your center was closed during the Count Week. How Payments are Determined shows payment dates and amounts. See the Provider Informational Training Module in the Resources section as your all-in-one guide to Child Care Counts. See the FAQs about YoungStar Quality Incentive payments through Child Care Counts. If you need help or have questions about your Payment Program status, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and leave your detailed questions at 608-535-3650. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to get answers to your questions. Child Care Counts Información en español. Reminder: Healthy Environments for Kids: DHS’ Safekeeping Campaign The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Safekeeping campaign seeks to provide tips and resources to schools and early childhood education centers on maintaining environmentally safe and healthy facilities for kids and staff. Whether you’re a school nestled among the lakes and pines "up north," or a child care center in bustling Milwaukee, DHS wants you to be equipped with best practices for reducing harmful chemical exposures and ensuring healthier air and water quality for everyone in your learning community. Visit the DHS Safekeeping campaign website for four short informational videos, posters, and related resources.
