Early Years

GOAL:  Children are ready to learn by start of school.

SUCCESS STORY

In an attempt to help the declining child care workforce, Childcaring reached out to Child Care Centers to learn what positions they had open. Each program filled out a survey indicating open positions, qualifications, benefits, etc. Childcaring created a flyer that listed each opening by county, then shared the information via email and at two in-person career fairs.

EY 22

LOCAL IMPACT

  • At a cost of thousands per child each year, child care is unaffordable for many ALICE families.
  • For ALICE families who may not qualify for Wisconsin Shares, United Way’s investment helps bridge the gap – meaning children who need it most get quality care, and parents remain in the workforce.
  • Six families received child care aid through partner programs in 2023 and were able to stay employed as a result.
  • The need for child care far outpaces the number of available child care slots.
  • United Way’s investment reduces barriers and provides resources to new programs, helps providers become regulated, and ensures training opportunities to improve safety & quality of care.
  • Forty providers received support and assistance through partner programs in 2023 to increase accessibility.
  • 4,725 books mailed to children in south Wood County through Women United and Dolly Parton Imagination Library in 2023.
  • 832 books were provided to children through Great Book Giveaway events in 2024.
  • Over 100 volunteers made an impact through Great Book Giveaway, Stuff the Bus, and the Early Years Coalition 2023

Source:  Women United, Early Years Coalition, UWSWAC Partner Program