The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has launched two new tools to help connect essential workforce families to local, safe child care. Healthcare workers and essential employees are now able to submit a request for care through the department’s updated Child Care Finder or proactively view up-to-date availability across the state using the department’s new child care map.
Providing child care to the essential workforce is critical to flattening the curve of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. Child care centers across the state are staying open to support essential workforce families. Individuals and organizations should consult the DCF map to identify available child care in their area. Essential workforce employees can connect directly with the child care center. Employers can also direct their essential workforce employees to DCF’s Child Care Finder request form to submit their request for child care in their area.
DCF is working with health care providers, child care centers, community organizations like YMCAs, schools, and other partners to open emergency child care centers for essential workforce families. New centers will be opened as demand for child care increases. DCF has provided guidance and resources for organizations interested in opening child care centers.
To ensure the safety of families and child care setting staff, DCF has developed a list of tips for parents to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
For any questions regarding this effort, please contact dcfmbcovid19@wisconsin.gov.
About this effort: To meet the child care needs of Wisconsin’s essential workforce, Governor Evers created the Child Care for Essential Workers Taskforce. Led by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the taskforce is working with the Early Childhood Association (WECA) and Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA) to connect essential workforce families in need of child care with locally available child care resources
