5/12/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Almost half of young children in the U-S live in childcare deserts, according to a new report. In Wisconsin, fifty-four percent of residents don’t have access to adequate childcare, with higher numbers for rural areas. The Center for American Progress says the gap percentage rises to 70 percent in Wisconsin's smaller communities. The Center's Casey Peeks says this creates a stark urban-rural divide. She notes policymakers are rightfully focused on affordability issues given childcare costs are out of reach for most American families, but adds that’s only part of the problem.

                    0:09  "You could make childcare free for every family living in a rural community tomorrow, but that's not going to solve the access piece."

Peeks says the data underscores the need for comprehensive solutions that address both cost and availability simultaneously, which starts with addressing the workforce. She says inadequate staffing leads to program closures and causes less options and higher costs for families.