September 3 Child Care Provider Updates

DCF Leadership Changes

Governor Evers has announced that DCF Secretary Amundson will be stepping down on September 11, 2024, and that Jeff Pertl, the current DCF Deputy Secretary, will become Secretary.

In the announcement, Secretary Amundson said, “I am grateful to countless partners across the state who work in child care, Tribal and local government, and human and community services who inspired me to think big. Despite my best efforts, I know our work around child care access and affordability is not done, and I know Governor Evers will continue to be a great champion of this work. He is and will always be my friend and trusted mentor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve my state. I have worked side by side with Jeff Pertl, and I know he will not miss a beat in advancing vital priorities for families. I will be cheering for Jeff and the Evers Administration as a fellow Wisconsinite.” Read the complete press release.

Train the Trainer Events: CC Foundational Trainings

Are you interested in offering Child Care Foundational Training (CCFT) courses? The next CCFT Train-the-Trainer events are October 21 through October 24 at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee-Waukesha campus. Registration is required. 

Trainers must meet the following requirements to register for and attend the events:

  1. Be a WI Registry approved Tier 3 Trainer,
  2. Sign the CCFT Agreement found in Trainer tab of your Registry profile,
  3. Watch the required CCFT Train-the-Trainer webinar found on Registry's training page, and
  4. Register for CCFT Train-the-Trainer events on Registry's Statewide Training page. Note: Registration opens September 6.

Event Schedule

  • Monday, Oct. 21: Fundamentals of Family Child Care
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22: Introduction to the Child Care Profession
  • Wednesday, Oct. 23: Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher
  • Thursday, Oct. 24: Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care

More information about the location and time of events will be provided upon registration. Learn more about CCFT.

Ensure Your Child Care Provider Portal Staff Information is Accurate

Child care providers are reminded to regularly update their program’s information in the Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP) to ensure the individuals listed include only current or prospective employees or household members. DCF conducts ongoing compliance monitoring based on information entered in the Portal, so accuracy is important. Inaccurate information also may impact eligibility for potential funding opportunities in the future.

For more information about updating your CCPP account, review the Child Care Provider Portal Tip Sheet. If you have questions, please contact your licensing or certification specialist. You can also contact the Child Care Background Unit by email to DCFPlicBECRCBU@wisconsin.gov or by calling 608-422-7400.

August Child Care Counts Application Period is Closed

The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the August Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by September 13, 2024, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

The next update period is September 28 – October 6, 2024. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks.

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.

Upcoming Events and Education/Training Opportunities

The below events are hosted by DCF, one of its partners, or is one that may be relevant to the early childhood field. Click/tap on the titles below to learn more about each event.

  • Dealing with Difficult People – WEESSN Free Virtual Trainings
    • Many people face dealing with difficult people as part of their everyday lives. Without command of solid coping mechanisms, the stress of handling difficult people and tough situations can create a lack of productivity, poor attitude, and reluctance to come to work. Attendees will learn how to address a wide range of challenging situations and take positive steps to improve problem relationships.
      If you’re not already enrolled in WECA’s shared services network, we’ll sign you up for WEESSN when you register for the session – it’s 100% free. This is one of many great professional development opportunities WECA offers – learn more on our website today!
  • Free Webinar: The Role of Hearing and Hearing Loss in Early Childhood Development
    • Join the Early Childhood Health Consultation free webinar on The Best Years of Our Lives: The Role of Hearing and Hearing Loss in Early Childhood Development. 
      As an early childhood care provider, you may notice concerns about children’s hearing. How can hearing loss occur for young children? What can be the effects on speech and development? When should you talk to the family about concerns?
      Lucy Woerfel Reising, pediatric audiologist with Children’s Wisconsin, will walk-through common types of hearing loss and ways you can support children with hearing loss in your classrooms. Time will be available following the presentation for live question and answer, including with Dr. Dipesh Navsaria (Pediatrician & ECHC Director). Join the ECHC in exploring best health and safety practices for early childhood care & education. Spanish interpretation will be available during live webinar. If interested in Spanish interpretation, please join live webinar by computer. Language interpretation is not available on phone. Questions? Reach out to the ECHC team at echc@sohe.wisc.edu.
  • Behavior at School
    • The Parents Place is hosting a free webinar: Behavior at School. Behavior problems at school can interfere with a child's learning and development. Learn strategies to work together to resolve behavior problems.