For Immediate Release
September 10, 2008
CONTACT: Jennifer Jones, Department of Children and Families, 608-261-9330
Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Governor Doyle Announces Nearly 200,000 Visits to New Child Care Website in First Two Months
MADISON - Governor Doyle announced today that nearly 200,000 visits have been made to over 600,000 pages on the state's new child care website that assists parents and others in locating and learning about licensed child care facilities across the state. The webtool was launched on July 1, 2008 along with the new Department of Children and Families whose mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and build communities.
"Quality child care is essential to the health and growth of our state," Governor Doyle said. "Research shows that children who participate in fun, safe and educational activities in quality early care and education programs will grow into strong, smart and self-sufficient young men and women. In addition, parents who know their children are safe can be more productive at work during the day. This website is the first step in supporting parents as they make informed decisions in the choice of early care and education for their children."
The licensed child care search website contains information and regulatory history on nearly 6,000 child care centers licensed by the Department of Children and Families. Individuals can search for licensed child care by county, city, zip code or facility name. Once a child care center is located, individuals can review the center's licensing history for the past two years, including compliance history and enforcement actions. In addition to searching for facilities on the website, the Department encourages individuals to contact their local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for advice on how to choose the right child care arrangement.
A main priority of the Department of Children and Families is to enhance the quality of early care and education across Wisconsin and ensure that it's affordable and accessible to all Wisconsin families. The Department is working with parents and child care providers to make further enhancements to the child care search website, which will provide additional information to parents in their search for quality child care centers.
Governor Jim Doyle created the Department of Children and Families as the first cabinet level agency to promote the economic and social well-being of Wisconsin's children and families. The Department is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building communities.
For more information on the licensed child care search, please visit the Department's website at: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/licensed/search.htm.
For more information on Wisconsin's Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, please visit their website at: http://www.supportingfamiliestogether.org/families/ccrr.php.
- END -