MOSINEE, Wis. (WSAW) – The governor asked republicans to approve $500 million dollars to lower the cost of childcare, and in Marathon County, the need is growing.
Marathon County has approved $200,000 worth of ARPA Funds to meet childcare needs this year and next. Childcaring is using the money for a scholarship program. They are a nonprofit that helps families in central Wisconsin find early education resources. The scholarship program covers about 150 hours of training, that’s the amount needed to work at a childcare center in Wisconsin. The classes are done in person and virtually. The training includes courses like introduction to the childcare profession, fundamentals of infant and toddler care, and more.
“Those classes are going to help you understand child development, understand what’s developmentally appropriate in working with young children, give you some tips about working with young children, give you some explanation around the regulation required, in order to be the best childcare teacher that you can be,” said Kelly Borchardt, Executive Director, Childcaring Inc.
You have until January 31 to sign up for the scholarship program, the first class is on February 13th, and they will finish in August.
Click here for more information and to sign up. There are about 15 spots available, and five are already filled.
If you’re struggling to find childcare in central Wisconsin, there is a local resource in Marathon County that can help you find quality childcare that fits your needs. It’s called Childcaring. Whether you’re looking for childcare, wanting to become a childcare provider, or need financial assistance, they can help you with all of that. They provide free referrals to families looking for regulated childcare. If your income eligible, you might be able to get free or low-cost care. The nonprofit even partners with organizations provide tools to help you choose a quality program.
“Already, families are paying 20% of their income, their household income to afford childcare, care that simply doesn’t work as a great business model, so we need to help support childcare from the state level, from the federal level, from the Community level,” said Borchardt.
Childcaring is located at 850 WI-153 Suite F, Mosinee.
The nonprofit covers Adams, Clark, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Portage, Taylor, Waushara, and Wood Counties.
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