January 23 Child Care Provider Updates ¿Quiere recibir esta información en español? Suscríbase a nuestra listserv en español. January Child Care Counts Update Period Begins January 25 The next update/application period begins Saturday, January 25 and runs through February 2. Organize your records now so you are ready for Child Care Counts update/application week. You must review and update your application every month. 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 Subsidy Estimator Coming Soon – Update Your Prices in Provider Portal It’s a new year and for some of you that means new child care prices. When is the last time you checked and updated your prices in the Provider Portal? The new Subsidy Estimator Tool is going live in February, so you’ll want your prices to be accurate when parents and caregivers begin using the tool. Update your prices in the Provider Portal today! If you have questions about updating your prices, contact your local agency. The Subsidy Estimator will help families better understand their subsidy amounts, plan their finances, and help them make choices about child care in their area. To learn about the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Estimator, review the October 2024 Tuesday Talks with DECE recording (around the 14-minute mark). Application Deadline Extended: DCF is Hiring for the Southeastern Licensing/Certification Specialist Are you passionate about supporting the health, safety, and quality care for young children? If you're an experienced child care teacher or early care educator looking to expand your impact beyond the classroom, consider joining our team as a Child Care Licensing Specialist with the Bureau of Early Care Regulation. Professional experience in the early care and education setting is a requirement of this position. The Division of Early Care and Education (DECE), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Southeastern Regional Office (SERO) is currently recruiting to fill a Licensing/Certification Specialist position in Milwaukee, WI, and will have the option to work hybrid for up to four (4) days per week. The deadline to apply is extended until January 27, 2025. Learn more about this position on Wisc.Jobs. Reminder: Watch for Your 1099 Form from FIS It's tax time! If you accept Wisconsin Shares at your child care program or you have received Child Care Counts funds, you will receive a 1099 form for 2024 from Fidelity National Information Services (FIS). Watch for yours in the mail. 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. Supporting Autism in Early Childhood Settings Join YoungStar Connect for a three-part group learning experience designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support children with autism spectrum disorder in early childhood settings. (Spanish interpretation is not available.) Live virtual sessions: February 7, 14, and 28 | 9-11 a.m. Register at the Wisconsin Registry. | Registration closes on February 4, 2025. Registry credit: 7 hours (6 hours of live virtual sessions, 1 hour homework) Questions? Contact Anna Barthen at abarthen@youngstarconnect.com
