May 7 Child Care Provider Updates

Encourage Your Families to Request their Summer Authorizations! 

Do you currently serve families using Wisconsin Shares subsidy? With summer fast approaching, this is a great time to encourage your families to use the MyWIChildCare Parent Portal to request their summer authorization.

Here are a few things parents can do in the Parent Portal: 

  • View child care authorizations
  • Schedule an appointment for an authorization request (Milwaukee County only)
  • Request a new authorization or make changes to a current authorization
  • Check the balance on their MyWIChildCare EBT card and track their payments
  • Sign up to receive a text message alert on their cell phone when they have a new message in the Parent Portal
  • Track all authorization requests entered in the Parent Portal using the Track My Requests button

Please consider posting the summer child care reminder flyer (Milwaukee County only) where parents will see it or share it in your parent emails or monthly newsletter!

Child Care Bridge Payments End June 28, 2026

Reminder: The Child Care Bridge Payments (CCPB) end on June 28, 2026 and final payments will be posted on July 10, 2026. DCF encourages all eligible child care providers to continue submitting monthly applications through the end of the program. See program details on the CCBP webpage.

May Child Care Bridge Payments Count Weeks

The May Count Weeks are May 10-23, 2026. Start organizing your records now so you are ready for the update/application week. You must review and update your application every month. See the Child Care Payments Calendar for future Count and Update Weeks.

The next update/application period is May 23-31, 2026. 

Support Center

Please send your questions to the Child Care Payments mailbox: DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov and include your name, phone number, provider number, and details of your question in your email. A Support Center specialist will reply as soon as possible. Support Center hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F.

Wonderschool and the Child Care Access Program

Wonderschool Inc., a company specializing in developing platforms that empower both new and experienced providers to operate their own businesses while supporting families within their communities, has been awarded $2 million across a two-year period as part of the Child Care Access Program within the 2025-27 State Biennial Budget. This program aims to expand access to child care services and increase overall capacity across the state.

To support the goals of the Child Care Access Program, Wonderschool will:

  • Develop and implement a substitute teacher pool in the northeast region of the state
  • Launch a statewide social media marketing campaign to increase child care capacity
  • Provide access to child care management software to assist programs with business-related tasks
     

Reminder: Ratios and Enhanced Payments Pilots

If you are a licensed group child care program implementing a 1:7 ratio in a classroom with children 18-30 months, certify your participation in the Ratios Pilot today. Providers that certify in the Ratios Pilot can also participate in the Enhanced Payment Pilot for infants and toddlers with a Wisconsin Shares authorization.  The certification for these two pilots is available through the Child Care Provider Portal. Note: These pilots are only available to licensed group child care programs.

Read more about the pilots, program details, and updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Ratios Pilot and Enhanced Payments Pilot webpage. If you still have questions, you can email DCFRatiosandEnhancedPayments@wisconsin.gov.

Reminder: Don’t Forget to Submit Your Get Kids Ready Program Eligibility Verification Application

If you submitted your Intent to Participate in the 2026-27 Get Kids Ready school year, the next step in the participation process is to submit your Program Eligibility Verification Application by May 15.

Providers who do not submit this application will not be able to participate in the 2026-27 Get Kids Ready school year, regardless of if they meet the eligibility requirements.

If you have questions regarding the application or requirements, we recommend you review the resources below:

Additionally, DCF has several partner organizations who provide direct support to child care providers which can help with preparing and planning for Get Kids Ready. View a full list of Technical Assistance organizations on our website. Below are some specific organizations that may be helpful with Get Kids Ready: 

If you still have questions, please submit an inquiry form.

If you did not submit your Intent to Participate by February 1, then you cannot participate in the 2026-27 school year, but may be able to submit for future school years during upcoming Intent to Participate periods. Learn more on the Get Kids Ready webpage for child care providers.

Reminder: Child Care Info Review Now Open!

The “Child Care Info Review” is now open! This survey will help the state understand how changes in child care funding, policies, and programs are affecting programs. Your participation ensures your program is represented and provides a clear picture of child care trends across Wisconsin to support awareness and planning.

This shorter version of the annual Business Information Form (BIF) asks about current enrollment by age, provider rates, and waitlists. The full BIF will still be released August–November to track trends.

As a thank you, providers who complete the survey will receive a $30 electronic Walmart gift card if completed by May 8, or $15 thereafter (up to 3,500 providers).

*To qualify, you must update your rates and enrollment data. Check your inbox for your unique link from Thriving Wisconsin. The survey will remain open through May 31, 2026.

For questions, contact Cassandra Gamble at cassandra@thrivingwi.org or call 608-443-2120.

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.

  • The Wisconsin Early Childhood Partners Spotlight Series
    • This series highlights resources and organizations that support families with young children, early education providers, and the children they nurture, helping them all thrive. Open to all!
    • Wednesday, May 20: 1-2 p.m. | Register for the Partner Spotlight Series.
      • Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (Well Badger)
      • Choose Safe Places
      • Wisconsin Family Child Care Association
    • The series is hosted by Thriving Wisconsin and the Child Care Resource & Referral Network through funding from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families “Child Care Resource & Referral” grant.
       
  • Virtual: Creating Inclusive Environments – Spanish Only
    • Celebrate the diverse abilities of all children by learning the benefits of inclusive learning environments. Dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and uncover its three principles: representation, engagement, and action and expression.
    • Live session | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m.
    • Register through the Wisconsin Registry | Registration closes on May 19, 2026.
    • Questions? Contact Paola Nunez-Garcia.
    • This is presented in Spanish. There will be no English interpretation available.
       
  • Conscious Discipline® Building Safety Through Composure and Assertiveness 
    • Safety – emotional and physical – is the foundation for learning and connection. WEESSN is hosting three full-day, in-person trainings May 30 in Madison (English and Spanish) and Stevens Point (English), earning six hours of Registry credit.  
    • Cost: $25 | Lunch and program materials included
    • Read the training flyer to learn more and register. | Registration closes May 18, 2026. 
    • Questions?Contact eapweessn@wisconsinearlychildhood.org