April 17 Child Care Provider Updates

You Can Help to Reduce SIDS Deaths

Sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs) include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), unknown causes, and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.  More than one infant dies every week in Wisconsin due to SUIDs. Between 2019-2021, 172 infants died due to SUIDs in Wisconsin. SUIDs were responsible for 16% of all infant deaths in Wisconsin from 2019-2021. (Source: DHS SUID 2023 Infant Death Report)

It is critical that all caregivers receive training in SUID, SIDS reduction and safe sleep, and follow licensing/certification standards for safe sleep. Although you may have completed a SIDS reduction training when you first entered the early care and education profession, consider additional continuing education and share what you learn with others. You can search for training through the Wisconsin Registry and utilize the following resources:

Crib Reminders

  • Choose a crib that was made after 2011. If you are not using a new crib, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to make sure it meets the latest safety requirements.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your crib. Complete and submit the product registration card to learn about any recalls or safety updates.
  • Check for recalls. When searching for recalls on the CPSC website, type “crib” or the brand name in the search box.
     

Learn About the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Changes

NAEYC introduced a redesigned version of their accreditation system on March 1, 2025, YoungStar programs that are NAEYC accredited are encouraged to review these changes. A key feature of the new system is the transition to a tiered system of accreditation:

  • Tier 1 – Recognition: A limited documentation review
  • Tier 2 – Accreditation: Full documentation review + possible random site visit
  • Tier 3 - Accreditation+: Full documentation review + guaranteed site visit (scheduled)

NAEYC determined that all currently accredited programs will automatically transition to a Tier 3 – Accreditation+ status on March 1, 2025.

To be consistent with NAEYC’s determination, YoungStar has aligned its accreditation policy to match this decision.

  • As of March 1, 2025, all YoungStar participating programs seeking to receive a 5 Star rating will be required to attain a NAEYC Tier 3 – Accreditation+ status.
  • All programs looking to renew their NAEYC accreditation in the future will need to do so at the Tier 3 – Accreditation+ status to remain rated at a 5 Star.

Note: Tier 1 and Tier 2 status will not be recognized as equivalent to a 5 Star rating within the YoungStar program. 

Visit the YoungStar and NAEYC Accreditation Changes webpage for more information.

To learn more about these changes, visit the NAEYC Accreditation webpage.

March Child Care Counts Application Period is Closed

The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the March Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by April 25, 2025, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal.

The next update period is May 10-18, 2025. 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, M-F 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Reminder: DCF is Hiring for a Northern 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), is currently recruiting to fill a Licensing/Certification Specialist position in Northern Region headquartered in Rhinelander, WI. (2187 N. Stevens St)

While this position is headquartered in Rhinelander, WI, it is comprised primarily of field work requiring on-site, in-person visits approximately 3-4 days per week. Successful candidates must have the ability to travel anywhere within the region at any time, based on the needs of the work unit. The majority of the travel for this position will be to Portage and Wood counties. Remote work options will be discussed further during the interview. 

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Learn more about this position on Wisc.Jobs.

Reminder: Submit Your 2024-2025 Child Care Immunization Assessment

The 2024-2025 Child Care Immunization Assessment Booklet is now available for use by licensed family, group, and day camp programs. The Assessment Booklet contains instructions and all forms in both English and Spanish. You may also download the forms individually from the Immunization Program webpage, under child care requirements.

  • Please submit the required immunization information to the Department of Health Services (DHS) electronically through the REDCap survey by April 30, 2025. The survey closes at 5 p.m. on April 30, 2025, and will not reopen.
  • When you complete the online immunization assessment, the information for your child care program is automatically be sent to your local health department. You do not need to send the local health department a paper copy.

A limited number of Child Care Immunization Assessment Booklets are available in paper format. You can request a paper copy of the booklet to be mailed to you by calling 608-267-9959. Note: Certified programs do not receive the assessment.

If you have any questions regarding the Immunization Assessment, please email ImmProgram@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

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.

  • Virtual: Planning Your Physical Environment to Reduce Challenging Behaviors

    • You will review key elements of your physical, social, and temporal environments that best support young children and examine the connection between learning environments and behavior. Bring images or a diagram of your learning environment. Spanish interpretation is not available.
    • Virtual May 6 | 6-8 p.m.
    • Register at the Wisconsin Registry. Registration closes on May 3, 2025
    • Questions? Contact Jessica Bowden at jbowden@youngstarconnect.com
       

  • Free ECHC Webinar: “Nurturing the Storm: A Guide to Managing the Big Moments”

    • This webinar discusses examples of behavioral challenges in the classroom and how to respond in developmentally appropriate ways. You’ll learn strategies to utilize self-regulation skills for when stressful situations occur.
    • May 1, 1-2 p.m. | 1-hour continuing education credit through the Wisconsin Registry
    • Learn more about the webinar and register today.
       

  • Free Hybrid Special Needs Training for the 53206 Zip Code

    • 4C for Children is offering free 15-hour Inclusion Training for child care centers in the 53206 Zip Code.
    • You’ll learn how to use the Ages and Stages Questionnaire – Social and Emotional screening tool: ASQ: SE. Each center receives one screening tool kit valued at $295 along with a resource kit valued at $300, and 1 hour of technical assistance for implementation of the ASQ: SE.
    • Training begins online via Zoom May 1, 8, 15, 22 from 6-9 p.m. | In-person session at the 4C For Children office May 29 from 6-9 p.m.
    • See flyer for complete details. Register for the training! Spanish interpretation is not available.