Start a career in child care
For the Sentinel
CENTRAL WISCONSIN — A central Wisconsin child care resource and referral source is offering free virtual information sessions for anyone interested in beginning a career in child care.
“Running an in-home child care business has many benefits,” said Mariah, a licensed family child care provider. “I enjoy being able to be with my children every day, while watching them develop friendships with the other children in my care. I love seeing each child’s different personality and helping them learn and grow. I have a steady income and I get to work from my home.”
Childcaring, an early education resource provider, is hosting the information sessions that will be facilitated by certifier/pre-licensing technical consultant Gayle Schiszik 12:30-2:30 p.m. March 1 and May 12. Sessions will cover information such as the number of children that can legally be cared for, benefits to becoming regulated, classes and training needed to get started and what fees to charge families.
These sessions will be presented virtually through RingCentral. To achieve optimal experience, you must have a reliable internet connection and technology that supports video and audio. A link to log into the session will be sent via email prior to the start date.
Eligible providers have used startup grant funding to purchase equipment, materials, and classes required to obtain regulation (safety gates, developmentally appropriate materials for a variety of age groups, smoke detectors, for example).
Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program
To support Wisconsin’s early care and education community, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has also launched an updated Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program. Regulated child care providers are eligible to receive monthly payments through 2023, providing the financial stability they need to stay open, to recruit and retain qualified staff, and to continue providing high-quality care for children. A total of $351 million in funds will be available over the next 18 months and will be distributed through two programs targeting the challenges early care and education providers are facing. More information about this funding program can be found at dcf.wisconsin.gov and search for covid-19 childcare payments.
For more information and to register, contact Childcaring at 800-628-8534 or visit childcaring.org.