January 3, 2023 Child Care Provider Updates December Child Care Counts: Late Applications Accepted DCF received several reports of power outages and other issues related to the extreme weather that prevented providers from submitting their applications for the December round of the Child Care Counts program. In light of these circumstances, as well as holiday schedules, DCF is allowing an opportunity for late application submission. Late-submitted applications will be reviewed on a delayed schedule, and approved applications will receive payment on February 8, 2023. If you intended to complete your application, but were unable to submit prior to the deadline, please contact the Child Care Counts Call Center at DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or 608-535-3650 prior to 4:30 p.m. on January 6, 2023. The Call Center will work with providers to submit applications. You must contact the Call Center no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 6 for assistance. Child Care Counts Información en español. School-Age Professional Development in the New Year: Intro to School-Age Care Introduction to the School-Age Care Profession is available on demand through University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This on-demand class means that you can register at any time and begin your work immediately. This course provides entry-level knowledge and skills for individuals as they begin to or intend to care for school-age children in group or family child care settings. This course will provide a foundation for the importance of Out-of-School time programs and explore the philosophy and goals for high-quality programs. It examines and identifies the rules and regulations governing group and family child care for school-age children and the responsibilities of the providers. This course fulfills the first introductory non-credit course requirements for a school-age group leader (teacher) as specified in DCF Chapters 250 and 251 for family and group day care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code as it applies to school-age care. This course is part of an alternative pathway to becoming a group leader. Register for the course.