Affordability The average price of center-based care for one infant is over $11,900 per year. That’s 16% of the median household income in Wisconsin and equivalent to an academic year at UW - Madison. Unlike college, child care is paid in cash, up-front at a time when families are just starting out. Yet, that price doesn’t come close to $33,715 – the average true cost of care for an infant, and what providers would need to pay their staff fairly and cover all expenses of running their business. This large gap often leaves wages to suffer. What has Wisconsin done to improve affordability? Invested in Child Care Counts to provide child care programs with revenue for operating and staffing expenses, allowing them to keep costs down for families. Made more families eligible for the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy by raising the initial eligibility threshold. Simplified Wisconsin Shares by changing the rate structure, covering registration fees, and making the benefits cliff for families transitioning off the program less steep. Covered child care costs for children with developmental delays. Increased and expanded child care tax credits. Partnered with businesses to help pay for employees’ child care costs. What more is needed to continue progress? Continue Child Care Counts and increase funding to the program's original levels. Increase Wisconsin Shares rates to make even more families eligible for the program.
