During the pandemic it was made very clear how critical child care is to our communities. Without child care, parents can't work, period. Child care is unaffordable to far too many. 7% is the "affordable rate" to pay as a percent of household income, very few in Green County pay this, most pay at least double. According to www.childcaregap.org Green County needs 700 more slots and costs our county's economy $21 million annually. Currently, there are 100 slots sitting in "empty rooms"  in Group centers due to lack of teachers. Furthermore, the educators who do the critical work of caring for and educating our children make $10.66 an hour and if a family child care provider, $7.42 on average, without benefits. Most have at least an associate's degree. To compare, in Wisconsin those without a high school degree or equivalent make $11.72 an hour. 

Green County Child Care Network members reached out to the Green County Development Center director to discuss working together. United Way joined the conversation and Child Care Matters kicked off in September 2021.

                                                                   Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors:

New Glarus Chamber of Commerce, Woodford State Bank, Bank of New Glarus, SSM Health, Monroe Optimus, Colony Brands, New Glarus Lions Club, New Glarus Brewery Foundation, Badger Ethanol, and Monroe Kiwanis

​

To Donate:

​

 

​