Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot Información en español The Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot is a new DCF program to support the cost of child care for a limited number of children participating in the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Birth to 3 Program. This initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funding is time-limited and runs from August 2022 through June 2024. No new children will be authorized after June 30, 2023. The purpose of the Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot program is to: Support families of children participating in the Birth to 3 Program in finding regulated, high-quality child care that will meet their child’s needs. Potentially eligible families will receive information about participation in the pilot. Families will also receive information and resources for finding regulated child care, providing both children and their parents with critical support and stability. Help reduce the financial hardships of child care tuition, for families of children participating in the Birth to 3 Program. Families participating in the pilot program may receive up to 12 months of financial support towards the cost of care. Connect Birth to 3 Program and child care providers to ensure supports are in place to foster healthy growth, development, and well-being. Children eligible for the Birth to 3 Program may receive services in a variety of locations, including at child care. Providing services in child care settings helps children learn while: In familiar places Engaged with familiar people Using toys and familiar objects based on their interests Provide ongoing and steady revenue for the duration of the pilot to child care providers who care for children with special needs. Children in the pilot will receive an authorization for child care for up to 12 months. The funds for child care will be paid directly to the child care provider. This project will provide care to approximately 1,400 children participating in the Birth to 3 Program who do not presently receive child care assistance through Wisconsin Shares. This pilot will strengthen coordination between DHS and DCF programs, helping families navigate services from multiple agencies. This program is not part of the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program and has different eligibility requirements. Visit the Inclusive Birth to 3 Child Care Pilot Subpages If you are a parent or guardian interested in learning more about this pilot program, visit the Parent page. If you are a child care provider and would like to learn more about this pilot program, please visit the Provider page. If you are a local or tribal agency worker and you want to know the latest policies and procedures, please visit the Agency Worker page. If you are a Birth to 3 Program Service Coordinator and you would like to view frequently asked questions, please visit the Service Coordinators page. Program Requirements Children may be eligible for this assistance if: The family resides in Wisconsin The child is under the age of 3 when the authorization begins The child is enrolled in the Birth to 3 Program and has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) in place The child is a citizen or a qualified immigrant The child has a valid Social Security number The child is not receiving and has not been determined eligible to receive Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy The family is not participating in the Partner Up! program Families will get a letter from the Birth to 3 Program. This letter will give families the option to participate in this pilot program. Learn more on the parents webpage. Authorizations will be issued in Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, and Rock counties beginning in August 2022. On October 1, 2022, the program will expand statewide. Each child may receive an authorization for up to 12 months. No new children will be authorized after June 30, 2023.
