September 8 Child Care Provider Updates New COVID-19 Guidance and Reviewing Reporting Requirements The Center for Disease Control amended COVID-19 recommendations this past August. New guidance recommends that those who suspect they may be sick with COVID-19 but do not have a test result should isolate until results are received. If the test results are positive, the individual should isolate at home for at least 5 days, starting from the first full day after the day symptoms were observed. If the test results are negative, the individual can immediately end their isolation. REMINDER: COVID-19 is a communicable disease. Child care providers are still expected to follow all reporting requirements as dictated by licensing and certification rules. If you have questions regarding COVID-19 guidance, please contact your local public health department. If you have questions regarding reporting requirements, please contact your assigned Licensing Specialist. Additional COVID-19 Resources Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 COVID-19 Testing Resources COVID-19: You Stop the Spread Reminder to Select “Submit Request” When Reporting Prices When reporting prices or price changes through the Child Care Provider Portal, remember to select ‘Submit Request’ before you leave the page. When selected, the local agency receives a notification to accept the updated prices which are then used in the monthly Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy calculation. When prices are entered, but not submitted, the local agency staff will not be notified that new prices have been submitted and this will result in price updates not being reflected in the Wisconsin Shares subsidy calculation. Instructions on submitting child care prices in the Provider Portal begin on page 22 of the Child Care Provider Portal User Guide. For questions, contact the Child Care Help Desk at childcare@wisconsin.gov August CCC Application Period Closed The latest payment program application period is closed. Applications for the August Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program Round 2 are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by September 16, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. The next application/update period is September 26-30, 2022. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. If you need assistance, 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: Birth to 3 Overview Learn more about the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program! Statewide Birth to 3 Coordinator, Lori Witteman, will be hosting a WECAN training on Tuesday, September 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The training will include a high-level overview of Birth to 3 services, referrals, Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and will end with a Q+A session. The session will be recorded and sent to registered participants. Individuals must attend the live class to receive Registry credit. This training is ideal for those who want to learn more about the Birth to 3 program and all skill levels are welcome. Register for the training! Please contact Lori Wittemann with questions at lori.wittemann@dhs.wisconsin.gov. Additional Resources Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program CDC Developmental Monitoring and Screening Tools Reminder: 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.
