Mixed Reviews for Wisconsin’s Subsidized Childcare Programs

An independent review of subsidized childcare programs finds most are on the low end of the state’s quality scale. However, a growing number of kids are in well-rated childcare.

Wisconsin Shares is a childcare subsidy program for low income families. It helps pay for two types of childcare: the kind provided in someone’s home, and at licensed group child care centers. The latter is where 46-percent of children in Wisconsin’s Shares go and where the rating is generally higher.Yet most of the programs reviewed by the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families –70 percent– get only a two-star rating on a scale of five. Council policy analyst Dave Edie says this shouldn’t necessarily alarm parents.

“This doesn’t mean they’re in danger,” he says. “If they [the childcare providers] are meeting the basic licensing standards they’re getting pretty safe, nurturing childcare, but they’re not getting the benefit of a high quality early learning program.”

Edie says about five-thousand childcare programs are currently being measured. He says by the end of year, the council will have a more comprehensive statewide look at childcare quality . The state uses subsidies as an incentive for providers to improve care. The YoungStar ratings determine how much money childcare providers get through Wisconsin Shares .