August 7 Child Care Provider Updates

July Child Care Bridge Payments Application Period is Closed

The latest payment program update period is closed. Applications for the July Child Care Bridge Payments are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by August 15, 2025, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. July payment amounts will be posted to the How Payments are Determined webpage on August 15. 

The next update/application period is August 23-31, 2025. 

Funds received under this program must be spent within 120 days of the date of Payment Letter for the given month.

  • Child Care Bridge Payment July 2025 funds must be spent by December 13, 2025.
  • Reminder: Child Care Counts March 2025 funds must be spent by August 23, 2025.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Child Care Payments Support Center via 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. When contacting the Support Center, please include your name, facility name, provider number, and detailed question.

Air Quality Reminders

Due to smoke from wildfires, Wisconsin is experiencing air quality alerts. Wildfire smoke is a particle pollutant and can cause serious health problems for sensitive groups, including headaches, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Sensitive groups include children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health issues such as asthma.

Like the weather, the air quality can change daily. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily before going outside. When the AQI hits “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” the air quality can be dangerous for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease. Outdoor activity is still okay for these sensitive groups, but it is important to take frequent breaks and monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

If the AQI is at “Unhealthy” or worse, treat the situation similarly to inclement weather and remain indoors.

If you have further questions, please contact your assigned Licensing Specialist or regional licensing office.

Additional Air Quality Resources

Crying Babies are Normal – Learn about Abusive Head Trauma Prevention

Abusive head trauma is preventable with education and awareness. All parents, child care providers, and caregivers should learn that crying is a normal part of infant development, and that it often causes stress, anxiety, frustration, or anger. Understanding when and how to check on the baby, stay calm, and identify worrisome signs is the best way for caregivers to keep babies safe. Learn more about Abuse Head Trauma Prevention trainings and resources.

WEESSN Child Care Business Coaching: Available to All Regulated Programs

Starting now, all regulated programs in Wisconsin are eligible for free expert business coaching through WECA’s shared services network. Learn more about Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN) and WEESSN Plus Coaching.

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.

  • Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) Prevention Training of Trainers
    • The Abusive Head Trauma Prevention - Training of Trainers is for those individuals who have previously completed an Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training and are interested in training others. After completing the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention - Training of Trainers, your name and contact information will be submitted to the Department of Children and Families as an approved trainer. Note: Individuals interested in training the Child Care Foundational Trainings are required to be an approved AHT Prevention Trainer.
    • Virtual Training | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | Register today
    • Questions: Contact Amanda Austin – amanda@thrivingwi.org
       
  • T-TAP Course Series
    • The T-TAP Course Series is a requirement for any individual looking to earn a Trainer and/or Technical Assistance Endorsement with the WI Registry. Individuals looking to train the Child Care Foundational Trainings must complete the Foundations and Trainer course and earn a Tier 3 Trainer Endorsement with the WI Registry. Learn more about the T-TAP Course series. Note: This training is offered by Thriving Wisconsin in collaboration with The Parenting Place. Questions: Contact Amanda Austin – amanda@thrivingwi.org. Spanish interpretation is not available.
    • Foundations Course
      • Prerequisite for Trainer and TA Professional Course
      • Virtual Training: September 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 12-3 p.m. | Register for the course.
    • Technical Assistance Professional Course
  • Teachers, Toddlers, and Tissues Podcast Episode 29: All About Asthma
    • Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children, and about one out of every 10 U.S. children have asthma. Rachel and Dr. Navsaria break down what childhood asthma is, what possible triggers can cause it to flare up, and what ECE teachers need to know about how to be best prepared — including asking for a child’s asthma action plan.
    • Listen to the Early Childhood Health Consultation “All About Asthma” podcast today!