W F C C A NEWSLETTER - Constant...

W F C C A

NEWSLETTER

Volume 35, Issue 4 Winter 2016

A Word From Your WFCCA President

Mission Statement Wisconsin Family Child Care Association

provides support, education, communication and resources to

family child care providers, families and community members, while promoting professionalism and

advocating within the early childhood field to provide quality

care for children.

www.wisconsinfamilychildcare.org Email: [email protected]

http://www.wisconsinfamilychildcare.org/

mailto:[email protected]

Wisconsin Family Child Care Association ~ Parents ~ Providers ~ Children: The Nurturing Circle

Executive and Operational Committee Board Members

President: Celeste Swoboda Vice-President: Leah Zastoupil [email protected] [email protected]

Secretary: Tami Van Gruensven Treasurer: Gina Heling [email protected] [email protected] Membership: Dave Homan Merchandising: Scott Swoboda [email protected] [email protected] Past President: Lisa Bucher Region Rep Coordinator: *open*

[email protected] Conference Chair: Tara Ebben

Website Administrator-Peggy Heeren Newsletter Editor-Sarah Torres

Social Media-Tammy Dannhoff






A Letter from Your President… Hello WFCCA Members, As I am working on this President’s letter for this quarter for you the member it is very cold outside with a Winter Storm Advisory for my region. In the forecast, there are plans of cold weather for the rest of the week. In our business, it means the children have the pleasure of being indoors with us and they can’t go outside because of the dangerous temperatures. That means as good quality early childhood educators we will need to pull out our extra bag of tricks and plans different things for the children. The tricks can be something complex that requires a little more planning on our part or something as simple as going on the internet for a new sensory bin idea. As a provider, who has been in the field of family child care over twenty years, I had the pleasure and continue to have the pleasure of doing things with the children that incorporates all four seasons. We are really fortunate to have the experiences of activities we can do in springs, summer, fall and winter. As 2016 ends and with 2017 around the corner, have you thought about what your New Year’s resolution is for your business? To me, a resolution is a goal that is set and carried through. As a provider, it is something you might want to change or maybe do better in the new year. What would you like to change one month from now, three months or six months? Maybe the first one is to improve communication with your families, which would include talking to the parents daily, having a monthly family newsletter or six months from the new year have a conference with your parents. What do you want to continue or change as a professional in the field? Maybe you want to become more of an advocate by becoming more active in an organization or maybe starting a local support group. Think about it, write it down and tell it to someone so you are accountable and you have someone to keep you on the path of to be better family child care provider. I want to take a moment to thank the support group from Wausau for inviting my daughter Erika and I to your recent training. I enjoyed meeting some of you from the area and got some great ideas to use in my child care in the future. If you would like to see one of your WFCCA Executive board members at one of your local support group meetings, please contact us. We like to reach out to our members. May the days that you spend with the children in your family child care fill you with happiness, hugs and many blessings. Warmest Regards, Celeste Swoboda


The WFCCA Newsletter is published quarterly by the Wisconsin Family Childcare Association, Inc. To submit articles for the WFCCA Newsletter, send your article with permission to publish to Sarah Torres @ [email protected]. The editor reserve the right to edit articles submitted. For inquiries about editorial policy, call the President, Celeste Swoboda at 715-726-0185. Articles published in the WFCCA Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the WFCCA as a whole. They reflect the views and/or opinions of the authors who have written them. Advertisements in this newsletter do not imply an endorsement of WFCCA for a particular product or service. More information can be found at www.wisconsinfamilychildcare.org

Upcoming Board Meetings:

January 14, 2017 9am-4pm, Chula Vista

March 11, 2017 9am-4pm, Chula Vista

May 4, 2017 8pm, Chula Vista

May 6, 2017 3:35pm, Chula Vista


http://www.wisconsinfamilychildcare.org/


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ADVOCACY!! [Ad·vo·ca·cy ˈadvəkəsē/ noun public support for or

recommendation of a particular cause or policy]

Is the word advocacy a word that you have not given much thought to or

tend to shy away from? Please know that it is an important part of

WFCCA!

Our mission for WFCCA is:

Wisconsin Family Child Care Association provides support, education,

communication, and resources to family child care providers, families, and

community members, while promoting professionalism and advocating

within the early childhood field to provide quality care for children.

We want to hear from YOU if there are things going on in your

region! If there is something that your passionate about that helps improve

quality child care, please let WFCCA know. We are here to support you if

possible.

WFCCA has worked on or is supporting:

Keeping the bonus for the 4 and 5 star rated programs separate from

the EBT card

Funds available to daycares that provide care for children with

significant special needs that warrant 1 on 1 attention regardless of

the child's socio-economic class will be eligible to receive funding to

be used in the hiring of an aide for this child from birth-no longer in

child care.

Providing grants to providers looking to go through

the accreditation process.

Input on the resent USDA food changes that affects providers of WI. Support of breast feeding friendly childcare facilities.

Email WFCCA at [email protected] to share good news of positive

action or gain support. We're here to listen!!



News from WECA

Recently WECA needed to implement a waiting list for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN Scholarship Program, as well as the REWARD Stipend Program. Following is a “call to action” and an update on the scholarship waiting list. You have a story to share! Take Action: Call to the Governor’s Office to advocate for more T.E.A.C.H. and REWARD funding! Giving young children our best means ensuring they have well-educated family child care providers who provide the stable relationships needed for healthy development. Education and retention of the child care workforce is a primary focus of the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program and the REWARD stipend program. Both are successful programs that are essential to meeting and sustaining high quality standards, and both are currently operating with waiting lists. Call Governor Scott Walker’s office at (608) 266-1212 and share this simple message with his staff: Current funding for T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program and REWARD stipend program is not enough to keep up with demand; more funding is critical. Specifically we are asking for a $7.5 million annual increase in the upcoming 2017-2019 state budget for support of these two programs. Every call is a positive step. After you make your call, feel free to share your thoughts on WECA’s Facebook page.

Update on T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Waiting List – What you need to know:

For those students currently supported by a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship, nothing changes.

Scholarship renewals are being prioritized to minimize disrupting an educational path that is

already in progress. All students moving directly from one active scholarship to another in the

2017 spring semester will be awarded a scholarship.

This month (December) we are awarding some new scholarship with spring 2017 start date. We

will review applications in the order they were received and completed.

On a semester-by-semester basis, we will re-assess what more we can do. Scholarship awards

for the summer and fall 2017 semesters will be determined at a later date, prior to start of the

semester (approximately late March for summer and July for fall). News will be posted on our

website: wisconsinearlychildhood.org

If you know people who are considering a return to school, please encourage them to still

apply. Evidence of demand is our best hope for increased funding.


“2016 Tax Changes Affecting Family Child Care Providers”

By: Tom Copeland

The year 2016 saw a number of tax changes that affect family child care providers.

* In late 2015 the IRS announced that providers may deduct in one year (rather than depreciating) items

they purchased in 2015 that cost less than $2,500. This rule is permanent and applies to any purchase in

2016. Providers must include a written statement with their tax return indicating they are electing this

rule.

* The standard meal allowance rate for 2016 is: $1.32 breakfast, $2.48 lunch/supper and $.74 snack. Use

this rates for all meals and snacks served in 2016 (including meals and snacks not reimbursed by the

Food Program). You may deduct up to one breakfast, one lunch, one supper and three snacks per day,

per child.

Note: The standard meal allowance rate is going down slightly in 2017, but this should not cause you to

drop off the Food Program.

* The standard mileage rate for 2016 is $.54 per business mile. The rate for 2017 has not yet been

announced.

* The 50% bonus depreciation rule has been extended through 2019. In 2018 it will be reduced to 40%

and in 2019 it will be reduced to 30%. This rule allows providers who purchased new furniture,

appliances, playground equipment and office equipment to deduct half of the normal depreciation in

2016.

* The income limits to qualify for the IRS Saver’s Credit has increased to $61,000 (adjusted gross income)

for couples filing jointly and $30,500 for individuals or married people filing separately.

* In 2015 the IRS relaxed the rules defining what is a repair (deduct in one year) vs. a home

improvement (depreciate over 39 years). Repairs can now include replacing a few windows, installing a

wood or tile floor and replacing roof shingles. Many providers are not aware of this rule which is

permanent and can be used for purchases in 2016.

* In addition, in 2015 the IRS also passed a rule stating that under certain circumstances providers may

be able to deduct fences/patios/driveways and home improvements in one year, rather than having to

depreciate them.

If you use a tax professional make sure she or he understands these changes.

To learn more about these new rules, visit my website at www.tomcopelandblog.com or see my 2016

Family Child Care Tax Workbook and Organizer, published by Redleaf Press, which will be available in

early January 2017.


Congratulations to Laurie Ann Meyer, owner of Little Miracles Family Day Care in Neenah. Laurie Ann

was awarded the first annual Mary Babula Memorial Scholarship Award this year. The Scholarship, given

in memory of Mary Babula, covers registration fees, lunch and travel for the WECA Conference.

Mary Babula, long time WECA staff person and Membership Director, was an advocate and friend to

countless early childhood professionals in her 32 years of service to Early Childhood Education. She was

most interested in issues of diversity, equity, worthy wages and advocacy with our elected officials. We

all miss her dearly.

Mary B was a consistent, positive presence at many early childhood conferences. As Laurie Ann wrote:

“Mary meant so much to everyone she touched. I remember showing up to conferences and trainings

and her friendly face was the first one to welcome you.”

Two Scholarships will be awarded each year as funding allows, one for a Licensed Family Child Care

Program and one from a Licensed Group Center.

Mary B Scholarship Recipient Laurie Ann Meyer at the 2016 WECA Conference.


Congratulations to the following Wisconsin Family Child Care providers who achieved NAFCC Accreditation. This list includes providers whose award letters

were sent November 2016. *Karen Homan, Katie Olson, and Diane Reynolds*

NAFCC Accreditation Candidates in Process …Congratulations to the following Wisconsin Family Child Care providers who enrolled in self-study.

This list includes providers whose self-study kits were sent November 2016. *Leticia Browley-Wright*

We want to know what your region is doing!!

I welcome you to share pictures and information to be placed in the upcoming newsletter!

Region 8: December brings our annual Holiday Party! What a way to celebrate people caring

for children by a celebration around the Holidays! We had a good training in November with

Portage County Health Nurses Mary and Ann. They had some interesting statistics, good

reminders for safe sleep, and wonderful handouts and posters.

Helpful links:

Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents http://autism.sesamestreet.org/ Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/sensory-overload-while-shopping.html Resources for Military Families http://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/efmp-special-needs.html Academic Accommodation Resources http://www.washington.edu/doit/academic-accommodations-students-learning-disabilities Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/estate-planning-for-parents-of-children-with-autism

http://autism.sesamestreet.org/

https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/sensory-overload-while-shopping.html

http://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/efmp-special-needs.html

http://www.washington.edu/doit/academic-accommodations-students-learning-disabilities

https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/estate-planning-for-parents-of-children-with-autism


2017 WFCCA Provider of the Year Award Wisconsin Family Child Care Association is looking for providers who exemplify the mission of WFCCA: “Wisconsin

Family Child Care Association provides support, education, communication and resources to family child care providers,

families and community members, while promoting professionalism and advocating within the early childhood field to

provide quality care for children.”

Do you know someone who provides support to others, is a mentor or in some other way helps to educate others, is

someone whom others know they can count on as a resource, strives for professionalism in all they do, and/or works to

advocate for the needs of providers or the families and children they serve? WFCCA would like to honor such a person at

our 2017 Annual Conference. Please fill out this form to nominate the provider you feel best reflects these qualities.

Examples of (but not limited to) the type of person to nominate:

A provider who has earned 4 or 5 star status in YoungStar, or who has received or is working on receiving NAFCC

Accreditation or City of Madison Accreditation.

A provider who was involved in advocacy work during the past year.

A provider who makes personal sacrifices in order to serve their families.

A provider who works as a mentor, presenter, or serves in some other teaching role.

A provider who has taken a leadership role in a group or organization that serves children, families or providers.

The qualifications for a candidate are as follows:

Certified or Licensed Provider in the state of Wisconsin

Holds no serious non-compliances with the state or county in which they are regulated

Must be attending the 2017 WFCCA Conference- May 4-6 at Chula Vista in WI Dells

May not have already won the Member of the Year Award or the Governor’s Award

Choosing a Winner!

All applicants will be reviewed and the winner will be chosen by a non-partisan panel, selected by the WFCCA

Provider of the Year Committee, based on the qualities and actions of the provider that reflect the Mission of

WFCCA.

Applications are open to all individuals without discrimination based on age, race, color, creed, national origin,

gender, political persuasion, handicap or religion.

Getting Started:

Fill out the information below and answer all questions to the best of your ability. Feel free to add additional pages or

documents.

Name of Nominee/Applicant: ________________________________________________

Business Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________________________________________

Years in Business/Years of Experience: _______________________________________

Groups/Associations/Volunteer Work: ________________________________________

Name of person(s) nominating the provider: ______________________________________

Why does this individual deserve the WFCCA 2017 Member of the Year Award? (Please add additional pages to explain)

All applications must be postmarked or delivered via e-mail by March3, 2017. Send applications to Western Dairyland,

attn. Karman Briggs, 418 Wisconsin St, Eau Claire, WI 54703 [email protected]


Join the Wisconsin Family Child Care

Association for just $20! You are then

eligible for lower conference rates. Visit

our website and click on Membership to

join today! www.wisconsinfamilychildcare.org

WI Family Child Care Association 202 High Street Amherst, WI 54406

Important Dates to Remember

Dec 25 Christmas

Jan 1 New Year’s Day

Jan 16 Martin Luther King Day

Jan 28 Chinese New Year

Feb 14 Valentine’s Day

Feb 20 Presidents Day

Mar 2 Dr. Seuss Birthday

March 10th Deadline for Spring

Newsletter

Mar 12 Daylight Savings Starts

Inside This Issue

Page 3 Letter From Your WFCCA President Page 4 Upcoming Board Meeting

Page 5 WFCCA Conference Flyer Page 6 Advocacy-WFCCA Page 7 News From WECA Page 8 2016 Tax Changes Affecting Family

Child Care Providers, By: Tom Copeland

Page 9 Mary Babula Memorial Scholarship Award

Page 10 NAFC Accreditation Page 10 Region News! Page 10 Helpful Links Page 11 Provider of the Year Application

If you would like to see your ad in

the WFCCA Newsletter

Here are the prices: 4 issues (1 year)

$75.00 Business Card $100.00 Quarter Page $175.00 Half Page $225.00 Full Page Contact Sarah Torres at 715-824-7183 or [email protected]


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