Wisconsin Child Care Advisory and Recommendation Exchange (WI-CARE)

child care teacher reads to childrenThe Wisconsin Child Care Advisory and Recommendation Exchange (WI-CARE) provides an opportunity to give the Department of Children and Families (DCF) feedback on child care policy development and technical systems used by providers. The group consists of regulated child care providers from many communities across Wisconsin. WI-CARE acts as an important resource in advising DCF’s Division of Early Care and Education (DECE) and its partners. WI-CARE members share perspectives based on “lived experience.” In this case, lived experience means that the child care providers have interacted with DECE as a provider or a participant in its programs.

Purpose and Responsibilities 

WI-CARE members have an important role in shaping DECE policy. This helps DECE take provider-focused input into consideration.

Some WI-CARE topics and feedback include: 

  • Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program
  • YoungStar child care quality rating and improvement system
  • Child care regulation
  • Technical systems used by providers, such as the Provider Portal

WI-CARE members do not give input on other DCF operational issues such as hiring, vendor selection, or other topics outside of this scope. WI-CARE is an advisory group only. DCF keeps the authority to make final policy decisions after considering all input from a variety of stakeholders. 

Membership 

Current Members
Name and Title Program and Location Program Type Region
José Martinez, President & CEO UMOS, Statewide Licensed Group, Head Start Statewide
Jay Martinez, Director of Head Start/Early Head Start Three Sisters Head Start, Green Bay Licensed Group, Head Start Northeast, Oneida Nation
Sheri Bishop, Owner Precious Cargo, Pulaski Licensed Family Northeast
Tammy Dannhoff, Owner Kids Are Us Family Child Care, Oshkosh Licensed Family Northeast
Ryann Counce Barnes, Owner Emerging Scholars Learning Center, Milwaukee Licensed Group Southeast
Kahlila Fennell, Administrator Humbled Hearts Child Development Center, Milwaukee Licensed Group Southeast
Bianca Hill, Executive Director Tendercare Christian Child Care, Milwaukee Licensed Group Southeast
Tanisha Johnson, Director of Educational Services    Next Door Head Start, Milwaukee Licensed Group, Head Start Southeast
Christine Salerno, Operations Director/Chair YMCA of Greater Waukesha County Licensed Group, Licensed Camp Southeast
Annette Willburn, President of Providers Taking Action Support Group Little Leaders Learning Academy, Milwaukee Licensed Group Southeast
Leighton Cooper, Recreation Coordinator Milwaukee Public Schools Public School Southeast
Kishaunda Ransaw, Educator Ransaw Academy, Milwaukee Certified Family Southeast
Rose Catlett, Provider Rose Catlett’s Child Care, Middleton Certified Family South
Erin Houlihan, Co-Director Humble Oak Outdoor Learning & Arts Collective Licensed Camp South
Tricia Peterson, Director/Owner Future All Star's Academy, Juneau Licensed Group South
Margarita Ugalde, Provider Anthony’s Bilingual Preschool, Madison Licensed Group South
Shelly Boelter, Owner/ Provider M&M Sweet Child Care, Hager City Licensed Family West
Thanh Bui-Duquette, Head Start Director Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. Licensed Group, Head Start West
Jen Kalis, Coordinator of Instructional Services & Special Programs Onalaska School District, Onalaska Public School PreK West
Joahna Shelton, Owner Creative Kids Learning Center & The Clubhouse, Spooner Licensed Group West
Jolynn Wendt, Director Little Raiders Childcare Center, Arcadia Licensed Group West
Cynthia Reineking, Provider Cindy's Day Care, La Crosse Certified Family West
Carol Jackomino, Executive Director Family/Child Learning Centers NE WI Inc, Rhinelander Licensed Group, Head Start North
Suzette Mayotte, Owner; Director of Home Visiting Doll's Day Care, Ashland Licensed Family North, Bad River Tribe

WI-CARE is made up of 25 members, selected through an application process. These members:

  • Are current child care providers
  • Have current or prior experience directly interacting with DCF
  • Are representative of the program’s participants in as many demographic areas as possible

WI-CARE continually strives for diverse and equitable representation among its members. This includes by provider type, YoungStar rating, geographic location, race, ethnicity, language, and Head Start affiliation. 

The first cohort of WI-CARE members was announced in August 2024 and a second cohort of members joined in October 2025. We anticipate the next round of applications will be posted in summer 2025. If you are interested in becoming a member, please email DCFMBDECEWiCare@wisconsin.gov and your name will be added to a wait list.

Meeting Information

2026 WI-CARE Meeting Materials
2025 WI-CARE Meeting Materials
2024 WI-CARE Meeting Materials

Impact Report

Contact Us

Questions? Email WI-CARE staff at DCFMBDECEWiCare@wisconsin.gov.