Child Care Industry in WI unable to Serve 33,000 Kids Due to Lack of Staff
Source: Wisconsin Department of Children & Families (DCF) Child Care Supply and Demand Survey, September 2024
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3b56598
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
The Chamber of Manitowoc County understands that early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong learning, personal development, and economic success. It is not just a family issue — it is a community issue. The availability and quality of early childhood education directly impact the workforce of today and tomorrow, shaping the strength of our local economy and the well-being of our community.
Addressing a Barrier to Employment
Access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education is a significant barrier to employment for many in our area. Parents struggling to find reliable care often face difficult choices, including stepping away from the workforce altogether. This challenge not only affects individual families but also contributes to workforce shortages and hinders business growth. That is why we, alongside our valued partners, are committed to being problem solvers in this critical area.
A Collaborative Effort
We are proud to work hand-in-hand with Progress Lakeshore, the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, United Way Manitowoc County, and additional community partners to identify and implement local solutions that support early childhood education. Together, we are exploring innovative strategies and initiatives that make an immediate and meaningful difference for families, employers, and our broader community.
Our Focus Areas
- Expanding Access: Collaborating with local organizations to increase the availability of quality early childhood education programs.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Promoting the importance of early childhood education to employers, policymakers, and community members.
- Workforce Development: Partnering with educators and training providers to build a robust pipeline of qualified early childhood professionals.
- Support for Families: Identifying and addressing the specific needs of working parents to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Why This Matters
Investing in early childhood education is an investment in our community’s future. When children receive a strong start, they are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and economically. Moreover, parents who have access to dependable and affordable child care can contribute fully to the workforce, driving innovation and economic growth.
By coming together as a community, we can address the challenges of early childhood education and create opportunities for all families to succeed. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous future for Manitowoc County and beyond.
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in making a difference. Whether you are a business leader, educator, parent, or community member, there are many ways to support these initiatives. Contact us today to learn more about how you can help strengthen early childhood education in our region.
Let’s work together to remove barriers and create a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.