Workforce Gaps in access to child care stem directly from staffing shortages. Due to razor-thin margins, Wisconsin child care centers are only able to pay lead teachers an average of $13.55 per hour compared to the average hourly wage of $28.34 for Wisconsin workers. On top of that, at least half of child care programs in Wisconsin lack health insurance benefits. Unlivable wages combined with a lack of benefits is causing qualified early care and education professionals to leave the field. It’s no surprise that half of child care center directors report that keeping staff or filling staff vacancies is “very” or “extremely” challenging. This workforce shortage is the main reason that providers are reducing their capacity and have waitlists. Over half of center directors report that staffing challenges are causing them to serve fewer children and turn families away. What has Wisconsin done to support the workforce? Invested in Child Care Counts to provide child care programs with revenue to recruit and retain staff. Grew the workforce of early educators via free Child Care Foundational Trainings and increased scholarships and wage stipends. What more is needed to continue progress? Continue Child Care Counts and increase funding to the program's original levels.
