We welcomed three guest speakers to give us updates of what's happening around our state that will help our providers. The first one was Tina Feaster from the Department of Children and Families that helped clarify some confusion with the fingerprinting background checks. If you are currently a provider that is already working, you do not have to re-do your fingerprinting process until the department sends you a letter. Everyone in the household over the age of 18, including the provider WILL have to re-do them because there are additional things that the Federal government will be checking. Any new providers that begin worker in the childcare field will need to get them done and cannot work until the receiving the go ahead from the department, which takes about 5-7 days.  Once receiving the letter, you can work WITH SUPERVISION until the final letter comes through, which is about 45 days. Volunteers that are in your program that are not left alone do not have to have this completed, as well as hired help that do not have contact with your children like people that come read stories, firefighters doing presentations, housekeepers or lawn care. The following is a link to DCF's website regarding changes to the background check process. Included on this webpage are Frequently Asked Questions and a DCF presentation to provide more information regarding the changes and upcoming process. The website can be found at:   https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cclicensing/cbc-updates.

               The second guest speaker was Carmen Rivers from UW Whitewater. UW Rock County has now switched to a UW Whitewater of Rock County and classes can be taken from both locations. They have four new Credentials being developed, the first one starting as early as January, 2019. They are Supporting Dual Language Learners, Teaching in a Diverse Society, Teaching and Learning in Nature, and Coaching and Supporting Families. Each will be 12 credits; formatted as 8 week fully online courses. The Pathways toward obtaining an Early Child Care and Education Bachelor Degree using Credentials is now available as well. There are two paths to choose from, either with a Leadership Emphasis or Teaching Emphasis. For more information, you can contact Carmen Rivers [email protected] or 262-472-1802.

               The third speaker was Julia Townsend from WECA. Both TEACH and REWARD have funds to help childcare professionals with financial resources. This is great news for those that want to further their education! The Power to the Profession project is being extended for further research before it's concluded.

               Speaking of WECA, they had some re-organizing efforts done last fall and there has been some confusion on the bundling of WFCCA's memberships. The payment made to WECA includes a statewide membership to WECA only, but not to WFCCA any longer . WECA does have a $5.00 off coupon towards a WFCCA membership, normally $20.00 yearly, which then allows you to have WFCCA's membership at a discounted rate of $15.00. To be a part of a professional organization is so valuable as a child care provider and WFCCA specializes in helping Family Child Care Providers specifically. Some of the benefits to being a WFCCA member are:

* 10% off tuition at Rasmussen College

* 10% off tuition for Masters and Doctoral Degrees through our Partner Colleges

* Conference AND Mini Conference enrollment savings

* More discounts with joint NAFCC/NAEYC/WECA membership

* WFCCA Membership (active/current member), as well as involvement on committees/board earns you professional development points in the YoungStar point system

* WFCCA newsletters to know what is happening all around the state

* Networking and Peer Support

* Advocacy efforts in your behalf

*Resources available through your Region Rep, Facebook and WFCCA website

* Eligibility for Accreditation scholarships

* Eligibility for being Provider of the Year

* Leadership opportunities in the Early Childhood Professional Field

* Invite to WFCCA board meetings

 

               If you are already a member, thank you! Please bring a friend at our next event so they can connect with us as well. If you are not yet a member, I encourage you to start your membership today. Online membership forms can be found on our website: www.wisconsinfamilychildcare.org. Paper forms can be requested by email at [email protected] and you can also contact me directly by phone at 608-322-1260.

              

               I will be traveling around the state at mini conferences in the next few months. Please stop me to say hello! Our next board meeting is Saturday, November 10th if you are interested in joining us.

 

               Thank you for all that you do for the families and children of Wisconsin!!

 

                              Leah Zastoupil, WFCCA President