The circumstances will not be as dire in Door County as others might face in the state, but the end of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Child Care Counts Program could still impact your child’s early childhood center. Last week, Governor Tony Evers announced that survey results showed that nearly a quarter of providers across the state are somewhat, very, or highly likely to close their doors if funding for the program is not extended past its June expiration. The survey also shows that of the 78 percent of providers who reported they will raise tuition for infant care, 21 percent expect to raise weekly rates by at least $25, and 17 percent expect rates to rise by at least $50. United Way of Door County Child Care Community Coordinator Molly Gary says the area is in the latter part of that equation, with childcare families expecting to see their costs rise by up to $2,600 in some cases. Gary says discontinuing the program is not just a concern for childcare providers but for employers, too.

While Democrats and Republicans agree that addressing child care is essential, the two sides disagree on how. Republicans have called on tax incentives for employers providing childcare and changing regulations to allow higher classroom capacities and more teachers to enter the industry. Evers and Democrats support the continuing funding of the program through the budget.