Unlocking Access to Child Care: Understanding the Wisconsin Shares Experience
Child care costs continue to soar throughout the state, presenting a significant challenge for families. For many, the Wisconsin Shares program stands as a beacon of hope, offering eligible parents and caregivers the lifeline they need to afford regulated child care. However, despite its vital role, only half of Milwaukee's eligible families are tapping into this essential resource.
Milwaukee Succeeds, in collaboration with the MKE Early Childhood Education (ECE) Coalition, sought to understand the barriers that are hindering broader participation. Through a comprehensive survey of 331 local parents and caregivers, crucial insights emerged, shedding light on both the successes and the shortcomings of the program. The results can be found in the brand-new report, titled Unlocking Wisconsin Shares: Insights into the State’s Child Care Subsidy.
“For a long time, we’ve relied on anecdotal information as to why families may shy away from using Wisconsin Shares,” explained Kristin Kappelman, Milwaukee Succeeds’ director of research. “Now we have the lived experience and parent/caregiver voice to guide future policy decisions to make Wisconsin Shares an easier experience for participants.”
“This report isn't just about numbers,” added Samantha Reynoso, Milwaukee Succeeds’ ECE data analyst. “It explores the real-life experiences of families as they struggle to find and afford childcare. Our hope is that this report aids policymakers in understanding and addressing the barriers families face in accessing Wisconsin Shares.”
Utilization and Impact
Nearly half of the respondents reported utilizing Wisconsin Shares to offset child care costs, emphasizing its pivotal role in their lives. Other common payment methods included paying out of pocket (31%), utilizing Head Start or being enrolled in 3K/4K (15%), using a scholarship offered by their child care provider (4%) or relying on a family member or friend to provide care free of charge (1%).
For those that use the subsidy program, its impact goes beyond mere financial assistance, affecting various aspects of their daily lives.
“If I didn’t have [Shares], I wouldn’t be able to work, and we would be struggling,” shared one respondent. “[It is a] a huge help for my family.”
In fact, three-quarters of participants expressed a readiness to recommend Wisconsin Shares to others. A large number of caregivers indicated that it has been critical in helping them secure and maintain employment or continue their education. Others shared that the subsidy has been essential in alleviating financial strain and helping them cover their bills.
“I am able to take care of my other financial obligations and not have to worry about how I will make ends meet because I have to work but cannot afford childcare,” explained one caregiver.
Other responses highlighted the essential role Shares plays in empowering families, from supporting single mothers and foster parents to helping women escape from domestic violence.
“It really has helped me out a lot being a single, unemployed mom of 4,” explained one parent. “I am truly grateful for this program. It’s programs like this that give me hope not to give up.”
Unraveling Barriers
Despite its evident benefits, Wisconsin Shares still remains out of reach for many families. The survey unearthed several key barriers impeding participation:
Income Thresholds: 31% cited that their current income exceeds the eligibility thresholds.
Lack of Awareness: 29% reported a lack of knowledge about the program.
Uncertainty: 21% expressed uncertainty regarding their eligibility.
Provider Limitations: 4% faced limitations due to their choice of unregulated child care providers.
Application Process: 4% found the application process to be overly complex.
Other concerns surfaced, as well, ranging from privacy fears and custody implications to difficulties in finding suitable providers.
Paving the Path Forward
When asked if they had a magic wand that could improve Wisconsin Shares, parents and caregivers offered some valuable insights, outlining a multi-faceted approach to overcome the current barriers.
Revising Parameters: Respondents expressed a desire for changes to the rules and eligibility criteria, reflecting a desire for broader access to child care assistance and increased support. They specifically called out the need to increase/remove the income limit, expand eligibility criteria, increase assistance amounts and extend coverage hours to better accommodate education and job-seeking.
“I would change the way eligibility is determined,” suggested one parent. “I was a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) for a year because we couldn't find child care that we could afford without using my whole paycheck. We were skipping bills every month to get by with no assistance.”
Streamlining Processes: Families offered various suggestions on how Shares could run smoother, including simplifying the application process, reducing call wait times and improving overall customer service.
“I once waited 8 hours and then was disconnected because the center closed. So I had to go through the process again the next day,” explained a respondent. “Also, I would hire nicer staff. When you have a question, you are often met with attitudes and leave more confused.”
Making Shares More Accessible
Wisconsin Shares represents a beacon of hope for families searching for affordable child care. Yet, to fully harness its potential, concerted efforts are needed to overcome the barriers that hinder broader participation.
By amplifying awareness of the program, streamlining existing processes and revisiting the eligibility requirements, Wisconsin can pave the way for a more equitable and accessible child care landscape, empowering families to thrive and children to flourish.
“We know that child care is difficult to find and expensive for families across the state,” shared Kristin. “We hope this information is used by individuals in positions of power to make Wisconsin Shares more accessible for families in Wisconsin to help ease the child care crisis.”
