For many, the Wisconsin Shares program stands as a beacon of hope, offering families the lifeline they need to afford child care. However, only half of Milwaukee's eligible families are tapping into this essential resource. Milwaukee Succeeds sought to understand the barriers hindering broader participation.

On April 8, ECE educators, advocates and champions joined together to shine a spotlight on the importance of high-quality early childhood education. The event, held at Pete’s Market on MLK Jr. Drive, featured a proclamation, a kiddie-sized parade and a special message from Secretary Emilie Amundson of the Department of Children and Families.

In honor of Week of the Young Child, we asked leaders and educators across the city why high-quality ECE matters for Milwaukee. Their responses highlight the multifaceted benefits of ECE and the amazing impact it has on our city.

In October, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee’s early learning center became the first program to receive accreditation through the Accreditation Facilitation Project. As the first to successfully complete accreditation through the program, they’re paving the way for other early education providers across the city to do this same.