October 8 Child Care Provider Updates Help Reduce the Risk of SUIDs in Wisconsin! Awareness, knowledge, and Safe Sleep Practices can save an infant’s life! According to the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin; 16% of infant deaths in Wisconsin are found to be SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death). SUIDs often occur in the infant’s sleep environment and are attributed to asphyxia (a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen, which can lead to various health issues or death). 97% of SUIDs occurred in a sleep environment 86% occurred in the presence of soft or loose bedding 56% occurred in an adult bed Approximately 70% of SUIDs occur in an infant’s first 4 months of life Read the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin’s 2023 Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Report for more information. If you have any questions, you can reach out to DCFBECRPolicy@wisconsin.gov. Free Lead-in-Water Testing and Remediation Lead exposure and the clean water needs of Wisconsin’s youngest children are a public health issue. Young children are at particular risk from lead exposure, even at low levels. Their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults. DCF, the Department of Health Services (DHS) and local health department partners are working together to help fix this issue for early care and education program. Funding from the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN) Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is used to test water in licensed ECE facilities (group and family) for lead contamination. Then, based on test results, WIIN Grant funding may be used to carry out lead remediation services. These services may include filter installation and maintenance, replacing lead fixtures, and providing bottled water and/or clean water filling stations. 2027 local health department partners include: Green County, Kenosha County, Marathon County, Portage County, Rock County, Vernon County, Washington/Ozaukee County, Winnebago County, Monroe County, Outagamie County, City of Watertown, Trempealeau County, Waupaca County, Bayfield County. Additional health departments may come on board in 2027. Watch for emails or phone calls from your local public water system or local health department inviting you to participate in the WIIN Lead-in-Water Testing program. To date, 662 licensed child care centers in Wisconsin have participated in the program. For more information visit the DHS Lead-Safe Wisconsin webpage. Additional Resources DHS Drinking Water - Lead Clean Your Aerators Lead in Drinking Water Fact Sheet Tuesday Talks – September Recording Now Available and Join us in October Did you miss the September Tuesday Talks with DECE? The recording for the September talk is now available in the September 15, 2026, 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. In September, we gave a brief update about the upcoming login changes to Child Care Provider Portal and then talked about the Business Information Form, Market Rate Survey, and why they are important. Tuesday Talks with DECE are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next webinar is Tuesday, October 20 at 1:30 p.m. and the topic will be Child Care Provider Portal Log in Changes and Safe Sleep in Regulated Care. Visit the DCF Tuesday Talks with DECE webpage to access the Zoom link and calendar invitation for the 2026 Tuesday Talks. Reminder: Complete Your Business Information Form Now! You shared your rates and enrollment information with DCF in May through the Child Care Info Review. Since then, Child Care Bridge Payments have ended and Get Kids Ready has launched. Now, we’re asking all licensed and certified child care programs to share this information again through the full BIF to understand the impact of these changes on child care programs and inform Wisconsin Shares subsidy rates. Complete Early. Earn More! Update your Rates and Enrollment data to qualify: By October 31: $45 Walmart eGift Card + entry to win a $300 Lakeshore gift card By November 30: $25 Walmart eGift Card + entry to win a $100 Lakeshore gift card By December 18: Entry to win a $100 Lakeshore gift card Check your email for your unique link from CCRR_BIF@thrivingwi.org. For help, find your local CCR&R and reach out with questions. 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. Wisconsin Early Childhood Partners Spotlight Series Join Thriving Wisconsin and the Child Care Resource & Referral Network to learn about the programs, partnerships, and resources that strengthen Wisconsin’s early childhood system and support children, families, and child care providers. The first session features: The Parenting Place Northwest Connection Family Resources YoungStar Connect Virtual | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 1-2 p.m. Register for the October Spotlight Series session. | View the Spotlight Series flyer for additional details. WFCCA Mini-Conference – Pewaukee Wisconsin Family Child Care Association (WFCCA) is pleased to present a one-day mini-conference. Sessions include School Readiness Starts with the Brain, Turning Storytime Into Meaningful Learning, and Exploring Sensory Play and Reading for Enhanced Learning. Let’s come together to support each other and grow in our work with children! Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Pewaukee, WI Learn more and register for the WFCCA Mini-Conference. Fundamentals of Infants and Toddlers Learn foundational knowledge and skills training as you begin, or consider, a career caring for infants and toddlers. This course fulfills introductory non-credit course requirements as specified in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chapters 202, 250, and 251 for Family and Group Child Care in Wisconsin's Administrative Code. Visit the Parents Place website to view class schedules and register. Questions? Contact Ann-Marie St John at 262-549-5575. New Credential: Nature Based Early Childhood Education Interested in learning more about outdoor learning? Register for this nature-based early childhood credential! Explore how nature can become a powerful part of early learning. This advanced technical certificate is designed for early childhood professionals who want to deepen their understanding of nature-based education and bring it into their everyday teaching. Includes four 3-credit courses and Wisconsin Registry credit. Register for the nature-based early childhood education course today! | Registration deadline is October 2026. This credential is offered for a fee and may be covered by the TEACH scholarship. Visit the TEACH webpage for eligibility, application, and waitlist information. Contact Stef Bugasch for additional information. Visit the Western Technical College website to register or learn more about the program. New Statewide Training & Coaching Resource for Providers Looking for trainings or professional development opportunities? The Wisconsin Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network Training Calendar makes it easier to find foundational trainings, continuing education, and other professional development opportunities—all in one place. Explore opportunities such as: 📚 Child Care Foundational Trainings (CCFT) 🩺 Health & safety courses 🎓 Continuing education 🤝 Peer learning and networking 📅 Conferences and other learning opportunities 💬 Free coaching and support The calendar includes direct registration links, plus information about dates, fees, training formats, and available coaching supports. Whether you’re new to child care or an experienced provider, use the calendar to find opportunities that fit your needs and support your professional growth. Explore the Training Calendar English Training Calendar Español Training Calendar Need help finding the right training or coaching? Find your local CCR&R and connect with your local team for questions about training, registration, or coaching supports.
