Access Many child care providers have unfilled capacity, meaning that they’re not serving as many children as they’re licensed to serve. Statewide, providers report that they are under capacity by 33,000 children. At the same time, half of providers report having a waitlist. With a lack of staff, child care providers are stuck closing more classrooms and serving fewer children while watching their waitlist continue to grow. This is causing parents, especially women, to leave or not enter the workforce, costing Wisconsin at least $1.1 billion per year in lost economic productivity, earnings, and revenue. What has Wisconsin done to increase access? Invested in Child Care Counts to provide child care programs with revenue to keep their doors open and sustain access for families. Increased the supply of child care where it’s most needed by offering supports for aspiring child care providers in the high-need regions of the state. Supported child care business operations through a shared services model. What more is needed to continue progress? Continue Child Care Counts and increase funding to the program's original levels. Increase Wisconsin Shares rates and make even more families eligible for the program.
