Article Summary –
Wisconsin mothers are raising concerns over the state’s child care crisis, highlighting how the elimination of $480 million in funding for the Child Care Counts program may lead to closures of child care centers, disrupt their careers, and affect children’s development. Child care centers temporarily closed in protest, urging lawmakers to reinstate the funding, and stressed that affordable child care is essential infrastructure for working parents. The cost of child care has significantly increased, with only 41% of slots deemed affordable, leading many parents to spend a large portion of their income on child care while advocating for more support and choices.
Concerns are rising among Wisconsin moms about a severe Wisconsin child care crisis. Many argue that the lack of affordable child care options is not only damaging their careers but also destabilizing the economy and affecting children’s learning and development.
The Republican-led Joint Finance Committee decided to cut child care funding from the upcoming state budget, which includes a crucial $480 million for the Child Care Counts program. This program, initiated during the pandemic, has been essential for keeping child care centers operational amid soaring living costs. With funding set to expire in June, several providers have warned they may have to shutter their doors.
To protest these cuts, child care centers statewide closed temporarily last week, showcasing what a state without child care would entail. Parents, providers, and advocates rallied at the state Capitol and called on legislators to restore funding. Although centers reopened on May 19, advocacy efforts and local rallies continue. A donation fund remains open to support protesting workers.
According to a survey by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, child care costs have surged between 2022 and 2025, with only 41% of slots considered affordable. Families with infants are seeing a 10%-11% rise in monthly rates, per a statement from Gov. Tony Evers’ office.
Katy Dicks, a mother from Sun Prairie, emphasized the need for child care to be treated as essential infrastructure, enabling parents to work and support the economy. She considered leaving her pharmaceutical job due to high costs, with 33% of their income going to child care. Dicks, whose children are now in school, still allocates 25% for after-school care.
Dicks also stated, “It’s about choice, human dignity, and honoring motherhood. Families should decide what works best during this challenging life stage.”
Rochelle Navin of Belleville shared her family’s journey with child care, highlighting the importance of reliable providers like the Growing Tree Center in New Glarus. Now pregnant with twins, Navin said, “The day care providers have become like family. Their jobs are crucial.”
Navin noted the negative impact of potential closures on children, mentioning how her daughter, aged 2, had to stay home during last week’s Growing Tree protest closure, disrupting her routine and development.
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