May 12 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.

Sweeping Changes Coming to REWARD and T.E.A.C.H. Programs

The REWARD Wisconsin Stipend and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin programs will expand significantly starting this summer and fall due to recent funding increases. REWARD will be able to support a majority of the state’s early childhood educators at higher stipend amounts, and the changes to T.E.A.C.H. will make qualifying educational pathways nearly free for professionals pursuing credit-based education.

For expansion details and ways to prepare, visit WECA’s website. Contact WECA at either reward@wisconsinearlychildhood.org or teach@wisconsinearlychildhood.org.

May Child Care Counts Application/Update Period Starts Next Week

This week is the last May Count Week for Child Care Counts. The next application/update period is next week, May 16-20. 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.

See our Resources section for helpful videos, guides, and tools.

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.