October 17 Child Care Provider Updates Want to receive this information in Spanish? Subscribe to our Spanish listserv! Get Ready for the October Child Care Counts Update Period The October Count Weeks are October 13-26. The next update/application period is October 26 – November 3. Organize your records now so you are ready for the next Child Care Counts update/application week. You must review and update your application every month. 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 5 Frequently Asked Questions for more information. June 2024 funds must be spent by November 16, 2024. 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. Child Care Foundational Training Updates The revised Child Care Foundational Trainings (CCFTs) are being offered statewide! These non-credit trainings provide you with the most updated information you need to: Enter the child care field Enhance or refresh your skill set (great for new hires at your program) Complete your in-progress training to continue your journey to becoming a regulated child care provider All participants receive consistent, high-quality trainings with real-time feedback and discussion with instructors and peers. Start your new career on the right foot and invest in your future! See the Wisconsin Registry Statewide Training Calendar for the list of agencies currently offering these updated courses. Older Courses and Correspondence Course Reminders If you are taking one of the old courses, including correspondence courses, you must complete them by December 31, 2024. These courses meet regulation requirements if completed by December 31. Availability of old courses depends on each training agency’s offerings. If you have further questions about the CCFTs, please email DCFDECECCTraining@wisconsin.gov. Take the ECHC Survey to Help Improve Early Childhood Care Program Health Resources Want to help make Wisconsin early childhood care programs a little healthier? The Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) program is seeking input from early childhood education professionals in Wisconsin (including teachers, administrators, and other child care staff). Please complete this short, 5- to 10-minute survey in English or español, about how you prefer to receive information about health and safety practices in the early child care setting. Please complete this survey (even if you have not heard of ECHC before) by Nov. 4, 2024. Your input will help us develop tailored, free resources that you can access in the future. 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. Wisconsin's 4K Leadership Forum & Networking Event October 22 | Free Virtual Event | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This virtual event is designed to bring together leaders and advocates for interactive discussions and shared learning around 4-year-old kindergarten in Wisconsin. If you have any questions about the networking event, contact Tiffany Swain swaint@cesa5.org Pathways to Quality Conference and Resource Fair October 28-30 | Live Virtual Sessions November 2 | In-person at Hilton Milwaukee City Center Register for the conference today! 2024 Statewide Out of School Time Conference – Registration Open This is an opportunity for out of school time professionals to gather and gain information, education, and resources which will support their programs, staff and participants. Scholarships available. November 12-13 | In-person | Wisconsin Dells November 15 | Virtual via Zoom Visit the WOSTA website or the UWSP Conference Landing Page for additional information. If you have any questions, please reach out to: uwspceconf@uwsp.edu or wosta@marshfieldclinic.org. SFTA Offering Child Care Foundational Trainings Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA) is working with the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network to coordinate a statewide training calendar of courses required for regulation and other best practices for ECE providers related to health and safety. Starting in October, November, and December | In-person, virtual, and online training formats Courses offered: Introduction to the Child Care Profession Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher Fundamentals of Family Child Care Can’t find the training you’re looking for? Contact info@supportingfamiliestogether.org for support. WEESSN Business Coaching Opportunity WECA’s Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN) offers specialized business coaching every month for 12 to 18 months. For free! This type of coaching is now available all across Wisconsin for family and group child care programs after being expanded from the initial 22 counties. You can save time and money – and run a more sustainable business. Curious? Want to learn more? Visit the WEESSN webpage for all the details on WEESSN Plus Coaching.