March 12 Child Care Provider Updates Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Annual Child Care Costs for Working Families On March 4, Gov. Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 1023, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 101, which expands the current child and dependent care tax credit from 50 percent to 100 percent of the federal credit, helping reduce the tax burden for families struggling to afford the high cost of child care and care for adult dependents. Act 101, similar to a proposal Gov. Evers recommended in his 2023-25 biennial budget proposal, provides tax relief to over 110,000 Wisconsin taxpayers at an average benefit of over $656 per filer, totaling nearly $73 million in annual tax relief. Read the press release for complete details. Tuesday Talks – February Recording Now Available Did you miss the February Tuesday Talks with DECE? The link to the February 20 talk on Pre-Licensing, Child Care Counts, YoungStar Quality Adjustment, and YoungStar Connect is now available in the February 20, 2024 accordion on the Tuesday Talks with DECE Recordings webpage. March Child Care Counts Round 4 Application/Update Period Begins Soon Get ready – the next Child Care Counts Update Week is March 16-31, 2024. Organize your records now so you are ready for Update Week. Providers were notified of their eligibility for funds for their February applications on March 8, 2024, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks. Update/Application Week Reminders 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. See the Child Care Counts webpage and read the Round 4 Terms and Conditions for details. 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 Round 3 Frequently Asked Questions for more information. November 2023 funds must be spent by April 6, 2024. If you need assistance, email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650. Child Care Counts Información en español. Play is the Way Community Conference – May 17-18 Save the date for the Play is the Way Community Conference hosted by CCR&R Fox Valley. The conference dates are May 17-18, 2024, at Par 4 Resort, 201 Foxfire Drive, Waupaca, WI. This conference is for both families and child care providers. Friday night events will include a free “Guiding Conversations” event for families and caregivers, with dinner included. Children are welcome to attend, but no child care will be provided. Saturday events for parents, caregivers, and child care providers will include four learning sessions on “Play” led by Keynote Speaker Lisa Murphy, M.Ed. Early Childhood Specialist. Cost for Saturday is $25. Light breakfast/lunch included. Registration required for both events. Get more details and register on their website. Some vendor slots are also open for Saturday. If you are interested in a vendor slot, please call our office at 920.886.1211.
