The legislature’s disappointing decision not to fund Child Care Counts will have far-reaching consequences for ECE in Milwaukee, yet the move has served to strengthen the community’s calls for change and invigorate the search for new opportunities to support the sector.

On May 12, the Wisconsin Policy Forum released a new report on early childhood education (ECE) emphasizing the economic challenges currently plaguing the sector, along with the associated burdens placed on families, employees and operators.

Parents, early educators, businesses, civic leaders and more turned up to the Joint Finance Committee listening session on April 5 to speak out about their struggles. Combined, their experiences painted a stark picture of the widespread child care crisis across the state.

In honor of Week of the Young Child 2023, educators, families and advocates from across Milwaukee raised their voices in support of early childhood education (ECE). The collection of personal stories showcased the many benefits of high-quality ECE for children, families and employers, but it also highlighted the ongoing challenges.

At the beginning of February, Milwaukee Succeeds took another step toward growing our community network as we officially launched our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Ambassadorship.