Policy Agenda & Progress
Our FocusOur focus is advocating for a significant state investment into child care to ensure all children, families, early educators, and communities have the social and economic support they need to thrive.
WE BELIEVE IN STRENGTHENING WISCONSIN’S CHILD CARE SYSTEM
because early care and education (ECE) is the foundation of healthy children, families, businesses, communities, and a thriving Wisconsin economy. Challenges with the cost and availability of child care significantly impact how Wisconsin parents work, or whether they are able to work at all. Despite child care’s critical nature, decades of limited public investment have created a failing child care market.
INVESTING IN HIGH-QUALITY CARE LEADS TO:
Returns on investment, including strong long-term outcomes in education, health, social behaviors, and employment
Healthy child development during the time most crucial for the brain
A thriving Wisconsin workforce and economy
Affordable and accessible options for families
Well-compensated and educated early childhood professionals who do some of society’s most important work
For more information on the importance of child care, visit the Early Care and Education section of our website.
WE ALSO ADVOCATE FOR:
Extending Medicaid coverage in the postpartum period to 12 months
Investing in Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC)
Expanding the Family Foundations Home Visiting Program