Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Wisconsin child care providers 📣 December Child Care Counts payment letters are available in the Child Care Provider Portal today! Remember, all payment program funds must be spent within 120 days of the date of your payment letter.

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/childcare/payments

Looking for high-quality child care? Visit the Wisconsin Child Care Finder to locate YoungStar-rated, professional child care providers with specialized training in education and child development.

https://childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov/

happens in plain sight.

Help combat trafficking by learning the signs and how to report athttps://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/aht/pdf/indicatorguide.pdf

Do you have a special place in your heart for Wisconsin veterans? The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is asking once again for caring individuals to send Valentine’s Day cards to our veterans living at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove this year.

“Last year, the residents at our three Wisconsin Veterans Homes were thrilled to receive such an outpouring of Valentine’s Day wishes and thoughtful messages,” said Secretary-designee James Bond. “This year, I encourage everyone to consider sending a card to the former servicemembers and spouses living at Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove. It’s a fun way to bring joy to their day and let them know we appreciate their service to our country.”

WDVA received 24,000 valentines last year and spread a lot of love to all of our veterans, loved ones, and Gold Star families that reside in our homes. To see pictures from last year, visit our album on Flickr, here > https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisvets/albums/72177720313526378/

Please be sure to mail your Valentine’s Day cards to our veterans NO LATER THAN January 31, so they may arrive in time to be distributed to all our Homes on February 14. We ask that you do NOT include candy, food, or snacks with these due to allergies or dietary restrictions.

Please send to:
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
Attn: Veteran Valentines
PO Box 7843
Madison, WI 53707-7843

Full press release can be found here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDVA/bulletins/3810a0d

Thank you and we are grateful to all who show their appreciation for our veterans living at our Homes!

Are you a college student and interested in working in state government? The Wisconsin Student Diversity Internship Program is currently accepting applications through February 26. The Department of Children and Families has multiple internships available, including policy development, research, information technology and more! Learn more and apply today at https://wj.wi.gov/psc/wisjobs/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1&JobOpeningId=12656

Staff in our Green Bay office started the year off on the right foot with a special visit from Governor Tony Evers and Secretary Emilie Amundson.

Register now for Raising Wisconsin’s Children! This free, virtual, day-long event on January 9th is for dads, moms, grandparents, teachers, and other people caring for kids.

Learn more and register here: https://go.wisc.edu/rwc2024

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy New Year! We are looking forward to working on new goals in 2024!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/

To John and Megan in Kenosha County, Putting Families First means...

"Providing families with adequate, real services."

What does Putting Families First mean to you? Let us know!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/family-first

Despite facing challenges post-incarceration, Kat joined the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program with determination. Through hard work, she secured a full-time position, pursued her passion, and is now on the path to having her own place!

Apply for W-2 today and start your path to success! https://fsc-corp.org/kat-gives-back/

Providers: Information about Child Care Counts Rounds 4 and 5 is now available to help you plan for the future. Child Care Counts will continue through June 2025. See the Round 4 webpage to learn more.

A new Putting Families First Newsletter is available to read at our website---are you subscribed? 👀

Sign up to get updates about child welfare strategic initiatives, news, events and opportunities sent straight to your inbox!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/family-first/news

From our DCF family to yours, Happy Holidays.

To Heidi in Barron County, Putting Families First means...

"Keeping families together."

What does Putting Families First mean to you? Let us know!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/family-first

👀 Did you know that Wisconsin Works (W-2) can help you build a whole support system?!

In October, a mom joined W-2 with the goal of overcoming substance abuse and achieving greater physical and mental health. Her W-2 agency gave her a place to connect with treatment facilities and access child care.

She has since taken steps to further her health, too. Learn about creating your support system here https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/parents/w2

Don't be left out in the cold! School holidays 🎁 are just around the corner. Get your child care authorization now. Log in to the Parent Portal today!

https://mywichildcareparents.wisconsin.gov

Join us 🙋‍♀️ TODAY 🙋‍♂️ for Tuesday Talks with DECE!

We will be discussing Child Care Counts and will have guest speakers from Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN) to talk about their Educator Assistance Program (EAP). Tuesday Talks with the DECE are scheduled for the third Tuesday each month to discuss important ECE topics.

Learn more at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/tuesday-talks

Last month, Deputy Secretary Jeff Pertl had the opportunity to present at a conference hosted by Marshfield Clinic's Wisconsin's Afterschool Network, which aims to ensure all children in our state have the opportunity to attend high quality afterschool and out-of-school programs year-round. Learn more about this critical network and how you can get involved by visiting https://communityhealth.marshfieldclinic.org/en/Afterschool.

Chilly Wisconsin weather is here 🥶, did you know the Weatherization Assistance Program provides energy conservation services in to help reduce home energy costs and save energy?!

The Weatherization Program can help with insulation, sealing air leaks, installing energy-saving products, and repair of furnaces and appliances.

https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1887

December : Round 3 Stabilization Payment Program updates are due 📣TODAY!📣

If you need help submitting your application, we have resources, guides, and training videos at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/childcare/payments?accactive=7

Ya están disponibles las instrucciones para acceder al portal de proveedores en español. ¡Mire el video de capacitación, acceda a las guías del usuario de CCPP y conozca todo lo que puede hacer en el Portal de proveedores!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/provider-portal/ccpp-access-es

Spanish instructions for accessing the Provider Portal are now available. Watch the training video, access CCPP user guides, and learn about everything you can do in the Provider Portal!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/provider-portal/ccpp-access-es

To Claire in Milwaukee County, Putting Families First means...

"Allowing families the space and resources to support one another."

What does Putting Families First mean to you? Let us know!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/family-first

The holidays aren't always easy. If you need resources for your family this holiday season, check out these resources from our partner FSC!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/parents/w2

A regulated early childhood professional is someone who has specialized education and training in caring for children. They are committed to creating safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments. Use the WI Child Care Finder to locate a child care provider near you.

https://childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov/

📣 Join us December 19 for Tuesday Talks with DECE! 📣

We will be discussing Child Care Counts and will have guest speakers from Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN) to talk about their Educator Assistance Program (EAP). Tuesday Talks with the DECE are scheduled for the third Tuesday each month to discuss important ECE topics.

Learn more at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/tuesday-talks

📣 Attention child care providers 📣

The Child Care Provider Portal issues have been resolved. Please submit your December Child Care Counts applications by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 17.

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/childcare/payments

Sarah was a mom looking for a job with consistent hours & pay when she met her Wisconsin Works (W-2) support system. She flew through professional trainings and worked with W-2 staff to build a resume & practice interviews.

Today Sarah enjoys her work from home job as a medical transport coordinator and is working toward a raise! # Congrats!! https://fsc-corp.org/sarahs-future-is-calling/

Wisconsin's child protection system is large and complex. Visit our new webpage for a simple -- but comprehensive -- overview of the system and what you can expect from the different stages. There is also information for those who would like to get involved to realize our shared vision of all Wisconsin children and youth being safe and loved members of thriving families and communities.

Take a look at the webpage here https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/overview

Missed out on applying for Child Care Counts?

You may qualify to apply in December📣! As a result of the additional $170 million in emergency funding from Governor Tony Evers, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has reopened initial applications for providers who are not currently enrolled in the Child Care Counts Payment Program. Providers must apply during the December update period, December 9-17.

Learn more at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/childcare/payments?accactive=12

To Jessica and Bobbi in Barron County, Putting Families First means...

"Involving families in decision-making -- 'nothing about me without me.'"

What does Putting Families First mean to you? ❤️ Let us know!

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/family-first

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) want you to know that specific brands of applesauce containing cinnamon have been recalled due to high levels of lead. These brands include:
- WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches
- Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
- Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
If you have any of these products, do not eat them and dispose promptly. If you think that your child might have eaten applesauce products listed above, then talk with a health care provider about getting a blood lead test.

Learn more at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/120723.htm

The recording for the November 21 Tuesday Talks with DECE on Child Care Counts, YoungStar Quality Adjustment, and Early Childhood Health Consultation is now available!

If you missed the live talk, you can watch it here https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/tuesday-talks/recordings.

Want more for your family? Apply for financial support through the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program. Learn more at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/wishares/parents

🎉 Exciting news! 🎉

Historic legislation aimed at improving kinship care (AB-557 and SB-520) has passed in the State Assembly and is heading to the Senate. This legislation will expand the definition of "kinship care relative" in Wisconsin, which means that those who know and love a child would be considered eligible for kinship care payments.

To help move this legislation forward, consider sharing your support with your legislators -- and sharing your stories with us so we can hear how this would impact you or the children and families in your life.
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/familyfirst/expanding-the-kinship-definition.pdf

📣 Attention Wisconsin child care providers 📣

The next Child Care Counts Stabilization Payment Program Round 3 Update is December 9-17.

Get ready to update your children and staff information in the provider portal. See full payment program details here https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/childcare/payments

Join Wisconsin Works partner UMOS for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 16 in Milwaukee! A toy drive for Breakfast with Santa is on now through December 15. For more information on this event, or donating a new toy, visit https://www.umos.org/event/breakfast-with-santa/

By sharing this information DCF does not officially endorse this event. We are re-sharing for informational purposes only. Thank you!

Help shape a child's future! Start your career in child care today. Learn more about new training coming in 2024 to help you become a child care provider. Learn more at https://cctraining.wi.gov