June 13 Child Care Provider Updates

Now Live: The My YoungStar Connect Resource Website!

The My YoungStar Connect Resource website is now live and available to all providers! My YoungStar Connect includes tools, job aids, templates, and other resources that can be combined with coaching touchpoints. We'll continue to add valuable resources, including on-demand training, so make sure to visit often. You support Wisconsin's children and families, let My YoungStar Connect support you! Find out more by visiting the new website. 

Learn more about YoungStar Connect at 1:30 p.m. on June 20 at Tuesday Talks with DECE!

Your ideas and feedback are important to the YoungStar Connect team. Visit youngstarconnect.com to learn more, including more about who is on the Wisconsin team, or email us at help@youngstarconnect.com.

Child Care Counts May Application Period is Closed

The latest payment program application period is closed. Applications for the May Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by June 16, 2023, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. Late-submitted applications are being reviewed on a delayed schedule, and approved applications will receive payment on June 30.

Get Ready for June Application/Update Week

  • The next update/application period June 17-25, 2023. 
  • The Count Weeks for the June application period are June 4-17.
    • Keep your records handy and organized during Count Week. All providers are required to upload child and staff records when submitting your initial application.

See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks.

If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650.

Reminder: Providers must be approved for funding during one of the first four (4) months to be eligible for future payments. The program’s funding will not allow for providers to join the program after the August 2023 payment round.  If you wish to participate in Child Care Counts Stabilization Round 3, you must submit an application and be approved for payment during at least one of the May, June, July, or August 2023 payment rounds.

Child Care Counts Información en español.

Wisconsin Shares Policy Changes Coming This Fall

Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy is changing from subsidies based on an hourly child care need to subsidies based on a part-time or full-time child care need. This change will begin with October benefits. Please visit the new webpage for more information. Additional information will be added to this webpage over the next several months, as it becomes available. Parents will receive a postcard this month announcing these changes with a QR code directing them to this new webpage. Parents do not need to make changes to their authorizations and providers do not need to do anything to prepare for this change.

Workers: For Wisconsin Shares policy questions outside of Milwaukee County, contact your Bureau of Regional Operations (BRO), Child Care Coordinators at BROCCPolicyHelpDesk@wisconsin.gov.

For Milwaukee County, contact the Child Care Help Desk at childcare@wisconsin.gov with questions.

Air Quality Alerts

Due to smoke from wildfires, Wisconsin has experienced air quality alerts for the past few weeks. Wildfire smoke is a particle pollutant and can cause serious health problems for sensitive groups, including headaches, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Sensitive groups include children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health issues such as asthma.

Like the weather, the air quality can change daily. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily before going outside. When the AQI hits “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” the air quality can be dangerous for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease. Outdoor activity is still okay for these sensitive groups, but it is important to take frequent breaks and monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

If the AQI is at “Unhealthy” or worse, treat the situation similarly to inclement weather and remain indoors.

If you have further questions, please contact your assigned Licensing Specialist or regional licensing office.

Additional Resources/Links

Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Resources

Check out the latest updates and additions to the Department of Health Services (DHS) and Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition website library!

  1. The breastfeeding training is now available in Spanish! The training can be accessed the same way as the English version and the training quiz has also been translated.
  2. The Ten Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Centers Resource Kit has been updated and the current version is available in both English and Spanish. Note: we do not have printed copies of the current version of this resource. Please reach out to DHS if that's something you'd like to request.
  3. Additional resources from the training tool kit have been translated into Spanish. Check the website if you're interested in accessing those documents.
     

DECE is Hiring Multiple Positions

DCF/Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) is hiring.

  • The Bureau of YoungStar is currently recruiting to fill a Program and Policy Analyst-Advanced position in Milwaukee. This position creates, refines, and administers statewide Early Care and Education (ECE) and school-age care quality improvement initiatives. The deadline to apply for this position is June 25. 
     
  • The Bureau of Early Care Regulation is recruiting to fill a 60% Office Manager position in their Rhinelander office. This position coordinates and directs all office operational activities including space and facility management, communication systems, computer operations, equipment, supplies, printing, purchasing, report activity, fleet management, records management, and forms management. The deadline to apply for this position is June 20.

The Department of Children and Families offers excellent benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment, with many positions having the ability to work primarily remote. To learn more, view all open DCF positions, and to apply, visit Wisc.Jobs.