BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Child care costs and availability are making it more challenging for Brown County families to make ends meet.
That’s according to a new local survey which reveals the economic impact the issue has on parents.
It was conducted by Brown County United Way, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and Achieve Brown County.
“If parents don’t have that child care that they can lean on, that means taking time off of work. That means having to find other ways to make ends meet, right?” Achieve Brow County Communications and Engagement Manager Makayla Neinas said.
The survey was conducted among Brown County employees between April 28 and July 16.
In the county, there are about 13,700 children in need of child care, but there are only 7,900 available child care slots.
That means only 58% of children are getting the care they need.
Parents in turn, are stuck juggling tough decisions, which could lead to a worker shortage.
“As a domino effect, that also affects where they work, whether they can come to work, whether they can stay at work, absenteeism, productivity, and if they leave, then the businesses in turn in the economy overall suffers,” Brown County United Way Principle Strategist Sarah Inman said.
Inman said a quarter of respondents said they don’t have access to the child care they need, but availability is just part of the problem.
The other factor parents are worried about is the rising cost of child care.
The Department of Children and Families said the average annual cost for full-time infant care in Wisconsin is now $17,400 in center-based programs.
That’s an 8% increase from 2025.
“We got some quotes from family members in the community that were saying things along the lines of ‘I’m waiting to have my second child because I can’t afford two children in child care at the moment,’” Neinas said.
Respondents in the survey said 10 to 30% of their household income is spent on child care.
Neinas and Inman hope this survey sparks more productive conversation about solving the child care crisis.
“Policy change needs to happen. So for example, increased state investment in the childcare system statewide. Because we’re not the only community every community is experiencing these challenges,” Inman said.
If you or someone you know is struggling to find child care, help is out there.
Brown County families who meet certain income and eligibility requirements can receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of child care through Wisconsin Shares.
Family and Childcare Resources of Northeast Wisconsin can also help with locating the right child care fit for your family.
