September 26 Child Care Provider Updates Reminder: Wisconsin Shares Policy Changes Coming October 1 As announced previously, there are changes coming to the Wisconsin Shares Subsidy program starting in October. Starting with October benefits, parent subsidy amounts will change from an hourly amount to a part-time or full-time amount. Also starting October 1, parents with authorizations will be able to request funds to a pay a registration fee to the provider at the time they are charged. Please visit the Wisconsin Shares Policy Changes webpage to learn more about these changes. Reminder: Upcoming Wisconsin Shares Full-time/Part-time Information Sessions The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is hosting several in-person and virtual information sessions for families about the upcoming Wisconsin Shares policy changes. Policy is being changed to improve the family-friendly approaches of the Wisconsin Shares Subsidy program. The new policy starts on October 1, 2023. Beginning with October benefits, Wisconsin Shares subsidies will change from an hourly amount to a part-time or full-time amount. Parents will also be able to receive limited funds to pay provider registration fees. Parents are welcome to attend these sessions and learn more about the Wisconsin Shares policy changes coming this fall. Statewide Virtual Parent/Caregiver Information Sessions These sessions will be held on Zoom. Links will be posted to our Wisconsin Shares Policy Changes webpage. Wednesday, September 27 (English) – 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 28 (Spanish only) – 6-7:30 p.m. Only a Few Days Left to Update Your September Child Care Counts Information Time is running out to update your September Child Care Counts application. The deadline is Sunday, October 1 at 11:59 p.m. What You Need to do During Update Week You must review, update, and resubmit your application every month. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks. Be sure to carefully review the child and staff lists for attendance and payroll status during the Count Week and hit “submit” once you have completed your review/update. If you do not wish to receive payments, you must withdraw your application during Update Week. Review the Updating Your Child Care Counts Information During Update Week video to learn how to make application modifications during Update Week. If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650. Child Care Counts Información en español. New Voluntary Repayment Agreement Form - Effective October 1 A new Voluntary Repayment Agreement (VPA) form must be used beginning October 1, 2023, to align with Part-time/Full-time voluntary return reasons. This form is used to repay funds received in excess for Wisconsin Shares. Please utilize new form DCF-F-5178-E (available in Spanish, too). If you have any questions, please contact childcare@wisconsin.gov. Upcoming Free Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) Webinar – Introduction to Infant Mental Health Supporting healthy development of children goes beyond just physical health. How is a child’s healthy social and emotional development fostered through relationships with their early care and education providers? In this 60-minute webinar, Annie Hysaw (Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Infant Mental Health Specialist) and Corey Robak-Klein (Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Manager), will introduce the concept of Infant Mental Health, identify key indicators of healthy social emotional development in children 0-5 years old, and introduce Wisconsin’s new, free, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program (IECMHC), Healthy Minds Healthy Children. Time will be available following the presentation for live question and answer, including with Kelly O’Connor (Registered Nurse & ECHC Health Consultant) and Dr. Dipesh Navsaria (Pediatrician & ECHC Director). Join the ECHC, a Registry Training Sponsored Organization, in exploring best health and safety practices for early childhood care and education, while having the opportunity of free continuing education credits for early childhood providers. Webinar – October 5, 20231 p.m. Central TimeRegister today! Questions? Reach out to the ECHC team at echc@sohe.wisc.edu. You can also search Early Childhood Health Consultation professional development opportunities on the Wisconsin Registry website. View previously recorded ECHC webinars. Child Care Providers Voice Requested DCF and our partners are developing an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMHC) Consultation model in our state. When fully implemented, child care providers can access free consultation services to get valuable help in dealing with challenges. Services support the well-being of both caregivers and young children. Examples of consultation might include learning new strategies and techniques for responding to child behaviors that adults may find challenging. As we develop this program, we want to hear from you. Over the next half-year we want to hold a few conversations with in-home child care providers and group child care teachers on the challenges you face with the children you care for and how a mental health consultant might help you feel more prepared and successful. These meetings will be virtual (via Zoom), 60 minutes in length, and take place on a weeknight (early evening). The first conversation will be in October or November. We will compensate you for your time at $20 per hour (an e-gift card). If you want to share your voice and participate, contact Sarah Dillinger at sarah.dillinger1@wisconsin.gov. Visit the IECMHC website to learn more. Parent and Caregiver Training Resources from UW Extension The University of Wisconsin Extension offers numerous virtual and free classes for parents and caregivers. Many of the courses are appropriate for early childhood professionals and include CEUs. Registration is required, and you can learn more about these classes on the UW Extension website. Introduction to the School-Age Care Profession free to Wisconsin Afterschool Network members 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 will fulfill the first introductory non-credit course requirements for a school-age group leader (teacher) as specified in DCF Chapter 251 for group day care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code as it applies to school-age care. Steps to Register Create a free WAN membership through our website. Individuals can become a member, or a supervisor can create a membership as the course discount code is the same for everyone. Once on the site, select Become a Member in Quick Links at the top right of the homepage. That will take you to a form to complete to create your membership. Once the membership form is submitted, the course discount codes can be found on the Member Home page also located in Quick Links– meaning you will need to login to the website to access them. To register for the course, go to the landing page and enter the course discount code when checking out. For questions: contact wisconsinafterschoolnetwork@marshfieldclinic.org.
