November 21 Child Care Provider Updates Tuesday Talks with DECE is Today The next Tuesday Talks with DECE webinar is today, November 21 at 1:30 p.m. and we will discuss the YoungStar Quality Adjustment and Child Care Counts. In addition, you will hear from the Early Childhood Health Consultation and how to use their programming. Registration is not required for these events. The Tuesday Talks with DECE are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and learn about future topics. Learn more about Tuesday Talks on the DCF website. Información de las charlas del martes en español. YoungStar Quality Adjustment System Update The legislature has allocated funding to resume the YoungStar quality adjustment system for 4 and 5 star providers who care for children enrolled in the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program. This system will start again in January 2024. Who is eligible for adjustments? 4 and 5 Star providers who care for children enrolled in the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program are eligible for YoungStar quality adjustment payments. If you accept Wisconsin Shares but are not currently serving any families receiving the subsidy, you will not receive an adjustment. What percentages will the adjustments be? When they begin in January 2024, adjustment percentages to monthly authorization amounts will be: 13% for 4-star providers 26% for 5-star providers These percentages have been established to maximize payments within the available funding. DCF will continue to monitor spending and available funding. If any changes are needed for state fiscal year 2024, this will be communicated to providers by March 2024. When will I receive my first adjustment? Providers will receive their first adjustment in January 2024, and will continue to receive them every month as long as they are currently serving a child receiving Wisconsin Shares. What if I am a 2 or 3 Star provider? You will see no change in subsidy amounts and will not receive an adjustment. Per State Statute, the Department of Children and Families cannot provide adjustments beyond the maximum subsidy rate for providers who receive 2 and 3 Star ratings. Please see the YoungStar Quality Adjustment webpage for more information. Wisconsin Shares Program Integrity Training for Providers A free training video about Wisconsin Shares program integrity for Wisconsin child care providers is available! As a child care provider, in order to be eligible to receive Wisconsin Shares, you must be certified or licensed, and participate in the YoungStar quality rating system. Watch the Wisconsin Shares program integrity training video or download the Provider Program Integrity Training booklet (DCF-P-5484) to access these resources to help you. For questions about Wisconsin Shares policies, please contact your local agency. November Child Care Counts Update Period is Closed The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the November Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by December 8, 2023, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. The next update period December 9-17, 2023. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks. Spending Deadline Reminder All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days from the date of the payment letter. See the Use of Funds section of the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. July 2023 funds must be spent by December 9, 2023. 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. DCF is Hiring The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau of Child Care Subsidy Administration, is recruiting to fill a Senior Auditor position. This position is responsible for conducting audits, reviews, investigations, and quality assurance activities which relate to the implementation, monitoring, and oversight of program integrity activities within the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy and YoungStar programs. This position also provides training and technical assistance to counties, tribes, and other entities responsible for overpayment and fraud prevention programs. This position will be headquartered at our Madison or Milwaukee office and will have the option to work hybrid for up to 80 percent of the time. The deadline to apply for this position is November 27, 2023. View all open DCF positions at Wisc.Jobs. ECHC Lead 101 Webinar Recording Available Did you miss the “Lead 101” Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) webinar? Check out the on-demand recording of the “Lead 101: Implications for Child Care Facilities” video!”
