Blog
Making the Invisible Visible: Introducing the ECE Churn Metric
To better understand what’s been happening beneath the surface of our ECE sector, Milwaukee Succeeds launched the Stability Project – a first-of-its-kind effort that brings together data, PhotoVoice and focus groups. A key part of this work is a set of new ECE-specific metrics developed by the Milwaukee Succeeds data team. The first among them is churn, which shines a light on the sector’s instability.
Understanding Stability in ECE
To better understand which child care programs are able to persist despite ongoing challenges, Milwaukee Succeeds developed a second metric: the stability rate. While churn measures turnover, the stability rate measures consistency, helping us identify which programs remain open year after year and where long-term endurance exists within the ECE sector.
Tracking Milwaukee’s Child Care Closures
Over the course of the Stability Project, Milwaukee Succeeds has worked to better understand what instability in ECE really looks like – and what it means for our city. First came churn, then came stability. Now, we’re looking at the most visible and immediate form of instability: program closures.
Supporting Providers on the Path to Accreditation
Building on an earlier initiative that introduced early learning programs to the accreditation process, the Accreditation Facilitation Project Closeout provided the support needed to finally move them across the finish line. Milwaukee Succeeds supported a cohort of nine programs, providing targeted coaching, financial support and a caring community of peers. By the end, all nine programs had successfully submitted their accreditation applications – a major achievement in a process that often takes years.
Early Learning Takes Center Stage During the Week of the Young Child
From laughter on the sidewalk to lively conversations, the 2026 Week of the Young Child brought Milwaukee together in a powerful celebration of early childhood education.
Strengthening Pathways for our Young People
What does it take to create real pathways for young people – pathways to careers they love and, ultimately, a fulfilling life? That question guided the March 25 Youth Forward MKE meeting, where partners from across Milwaukee came together to explore how we can strengthen the systems that support our youth.