November 13 Child Care Provider Updates

Note: There will be no listserv messages on November 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Our regular publishing schedule will resume December 4, 2025.

Get Ready for the November Child Care Bridge Payments Update Period

The next update/application period is November 15-23. Organize your records now so you are ready for the next Child Care Bridge Payments Update/Application Week. You must review and update your application every month. See the Child Care Payments Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks.

Update Week Application Resources

Support Center Update

We are currently transitioning our support center phone line operations. We are unable to answer incoming phone calls at this time, and can only accept voicemails.

Please send your questions to the Child Care Payments mailbox: DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov

If you are unable to email, please leave your message at 608-535-3650. Please be sure to leave your name, phone number, provider number, and details of your question in your message. Your call will be returned by a Support Center specialist as soon as possible.

Support Center hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F.
 

Tuesday Talks – October Recording Now Available and Join Us in November     

Did you miss the October Tuesday Talks with DECE? The recording for the October talk on Wisconsin Shares is now available in the October 21, 2025 accordion on the Tuesday Talks with DECE Recordings webpage. This is where you can access all the resource links shared during the Talk as well.

Tuesday Talks with DECE are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next webinar is Tuesday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. and will be on the YoungStar Rating Stabilization Pilot and Get Kids Ready. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and calendar invitation for the 2025 Tuesday Talks.

Wisconsin Shares Program Integrity Training for Providers

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) updated the Wisconsin Shares program integrity training for Wisconsin child care providers! View the updated video and training booklet to stay up to date on the latest information.

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: Your Business Information Form (BIF) is Due by 11/30/25

Friendly Reminder: All Business Information Forms (BIF) need to be completed by November 30, 2025. Thank you to everyone who has already completed their BIF.

If you have not completed your BIF, please monitor your email for communications from your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for a link to the survey. It is important to capture a complete and accurate picture of the status of child care, statewide.

If you have questions or need support completing your BIF, please reach out to your local CCR&R and they will be happy to assist you.

Not sure who to contact? Call Thriving Wisconsin 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.

  • WECA Offering WMELS Training: Register Soon
    • Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) is offering an eight-week virtual Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) Training beginning January 27, 2026.
    • Sessions will be held on Tuesdays, January 27 to March 17, 2026 from 6-8:30 p.m. Register online.
    • Questions? Email eschepp@wisconsinearlychildhood.org.
       
  • Virtual: Supporting Autism in Early Childhood Settings
    • This group learning experience is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early childhood settings.
    • Live Saturday sessions 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    • December 6 | December 13 | December 20
    • Register through the Wisconsin Registry. | Registration closes on December 3, 2025.
    • Questions? Contact Anna Barthen at abarthen@youngstarconnect.com.