On January 23, 2025, Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and Representative Jenna Jacobson (D-Oregon) are set to host a critical panel discussion addressing the pressing issue of child care in Wisconsin. This event will follow the screening of the documentary “We Are Family Child Care,” which highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by child care providers and families in the state.
The panel discussion aims to stimulate conversation around the current landscape of child care services, including the systemic barriers that affect accessibility, affordability, and quality of care. This event comes at a time when many families struggle to find adequate child care, a challenge further exacerbated by economic fluctuations and workforce shortages. The documentary, which offers personal stories and insights from child care providers and parents, serves as a catalyst for this timely dialogue.
Panelists include an array of professionals who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the table:
– Corrine Hendrickson has operated Corrine’s Little Explorers Family Child Care Center in New Glarus, WI, since 2007. Her experience offers insights into the practical challenges faced by family-run child care facilities.
– Brooke Legler, co-owner of The Growing Tree childcare center in New Glarus since 2013, will share her experiences and the operational hurdles that childcare centers encounter in providing safe and nurturing environments for children.
– Dianna Rogers Wells, a high school Spanish teacher and parent featured in the documentary, adds a unique viewpoint regarding the balance between professional responsibilities and the quest for high-quality child care options.
– Heather Murray, the owner and early childhood educator at Arthouse Preschool LLC in Waunakee, WI, will discuss educational philosophies and the importance of creating enriching learning environments for young children.
– Phil O’Leary, a member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and board member of a nonprofit Madison child care center, will provide insights related to policy advocacy and community involvement in support of child care initiatives.
The panel discussion is particularly significant given the increasing recognition of child care as a fundamental component of economic infrastructure. Policymakers and community stakeholders are urged to consider the long-term implications of underinvestment in child care services, which not only affects families but also the workforce and economic stability of the region. This event promises to shed light on potential solutions and encourage collaborative efforts aimed at improving child care accessibility and quality throughout Wisconsin.
