November 14 Child Care Provider Updates

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Note: There will be no listserv message the week of November 25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Our regular publishing schedule will resume on December 5, 2024.

November Child Care Counts Application Period Starts Sunday

The next update/application period begins Sunday, November 16. The deadline to apply/update is Sunday, November 24 at 11:59 p.m. 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. See the Child Care Counts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Resources for additional information.

If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and speak with a Support Center Specialist at 608-535-3650, M-F 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Child Care Counts Información en español.

November Application – Feedback Questions 

The November Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program application will include a few new questions. This information will be used by DCF and policymakers to understand (1) the impact of the 50% reduction in Child Care Counts Stabilization Program payment amounts that started May 2023; and (2) the anticipated impact on your child care program and community if Child Care Counts funding ends in June 2025. This is also an opportunity for you to provide information to help inform potential future programs to support child care providers and strengthen programs.

Thank you for providing this important information, which will be shared with DCF leadership, the provider community, policymakers, and other early childhood stakeholders. Please visit the Latest Round 5 Updates section of the Child Care Counts webpage for more information. 

These feedback questions will only be used for information gathering purposes.

View the Feedback Questions to see what questions will be included in the November application. 

Tuesday Talks: Join us Tuesday, November 19

The next Tuesday Talks with DECE webinar is this coming Tuesday, November 19 at 1:30 p.m. and we will be talking about the survey in the November Child Care Counts application and showcasing our ARPA-funded projects.

Registration is not required for these events. Tuesday Talks with DECE is 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 more.

DCF is Hiring for the Western Regional Licensing Manager

The Division of Early Care and Education (DECE), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Western Regional Office (WRO) is currently recruiting to fill a Regional Licensing Manager position in Eau Claire, WI, with the option to work hybrid for up to four (4) days per week.

The Regional Licensing Manager is responsible for administering regulatory enforcement actions, which include legal sanctions and penalties, for child care programs found to be out of compliance. This position is the primary representative of the Bureau of Early Care Regulation in the regional office for directing the state's regulatory program for regulated child care programs and facilities in the regions, and for carrying out the department's mission, objectives, and goals to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children. For more details about this position and how to apply, please visit Wisc.jobs. The deadline to apply is November 20, 2024.

Updated Wisconsin Shares Program Integrity Training for Providers

Earlier this year, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) updated the free Wisconsin Shares program integrity training video for Wisconsin child care providers! View the updated video to stay up to date on the latest policies.

In order for child care providers 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 helpful resources.

Materials are also available in Spanish (Mire el video de capacitación sobre integridad del programa Wisconsin Shares en español. Descargue el folleto de Capacitación en integridad del programa de proveedores (DCF-P-5484-S).

See the Wisconsin Shares Provider webpage for links to all trainings, frequently asked questions, and much more! For questions about Wisconsin Shares policies, please contact your local agency.

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: Complete Your Business Information Form Today!

All Business Information Forms (BIF) need to be completed by November 30, 2024. Thank you to everyone who has already completed their BIF. If you have not completed your BIF, please check your email for a link to the survey from your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency. The BIF helps provide families, community members, and decisionmakers with valuable information on the state of child care across Wisconsin. If you have questions or need help completing your BIF, please contact your local CCR&R and they will be happy to assist you. Not sure who to contact? Call Supporting Families Together Association at 1-888-713-KIDS and we will connect you to your local CCR&R. Your voice matters – complete your BIF today!

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.

  • WEESSN Plus Coaching
    • WECA is offering specialized business coaching to eligible programs with a new opportunity: WEESSN Plus Coaching. Programs across Wisconsin can have this monthly coaching for free with the goal of saving time and money and running a more sustainable child care business.
  • Child Care Provider Entrepreneur Training Series
  • Quality Conversations: YoungStar Connect Office Hours
    • Join Shine Early Learning for YoungStar Connect Office Hours! Get expert guidance and personalized support from our content specialists, coaches, raters, and partners!
    • Learn more about:
      • WI Registry Program Profile
      • YS Self-Assessments
      • YS Quality Improvement Plans
      • YS Rating Observations
    • Mondays, beginning November 18 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Register via Zoom. | English only