Of rural parents who are not working, 80% said childcare responsibilities influenced their decision not to work. Photo by Salina Heller
The lack of childcare in Wisconsin’s rural areas is keeping people out of the workforce, or is forcing them to work part-time, according to an early childhood survey. In addition to hurting families, the situation is making it harder for employers to find workers, too.
The Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network (WEESSN) survey shows the unique challenges for rural parents:
- 45% of parents say they or a spouse provide childcare.
- Of those who have care outside the home, only 34% used regulated care providers.
- Of rural parents who are not working, 80% said childcare responsibilities influenced their decision not to work.
- Rural parents are significantly more likely to have to drive more than 10 miles to access childcare. By comparison, for parents in urban areas, it’s about 3.5 miles.
To increase capacity and reduce waitlists, Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers says a continuing investment in the Child Care Counts Program is needed. Rolled out in 2020 with federal relief dollars, the program has delivered more than $750 million in support to childcare providers to increase wages, provide benefits, expand access, and more.
It has helped more than 5,300 childcare providers keep their doors open, ensuring the employment of 64,500 childcare professionals.
Evers has proposed continuing the Child Care Counts program with $340 million—first in the 2023-25 state budget, and when the Legislature’s Republican majority declined, in a special session bill later in 2023, which also was rejected by the GOP majority.
The Evers administration has since been able to extend Child Care Counts, but at about half its original size, repurposing $170 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. That has continued the program into mid-2025.
If Wisconsinites want more support given to the childcare crisis, there’s something they can do. Of the 33 state Senate seats, 16 are up for election on Tuesday, Nov. 5—including eight in districts with Republican incumbents running. Right now, Republicans hold a 22-10 majority in the chamber.
Over in the state Assembly, all 99 seats are up for election. Currently, Republicans hold a 64-35 majority.
Democrats have a long history of fighting for childcare support and resources in Wisconsin. Read more here.
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