Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

WISCONSIN RECOGNIZED AS NATIONAL LEADER IN CHILD CARE
Seventh straight year Working Mother magazine has honored state

MADISON — Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced that Wisconsin was named one of the top 10 states in the nation for quality child care by Working Mother magazine.

Gov. Thompson said the national recognition is a testament to the unprecedented investments the state continues to make in safe, affordable child care.  The rating marks the seventh straight year Wisconsin has been recognized as a top 10 state by the magazine.

"Quality child care is essential to working parents," Gov. Thompson said. "Wisconsin is proven leader when it comes to providing access to safe and affordable child care, and we’ll continue set the national standard as we meet the needs of working families."

The magazine selected the 10 best states based on criteria and advice from a panel of 11 nationally recognized child care experts.  To evaluate each state, the panel judged quality, safety, availability of care, and the state’s commitment to improving child care, which were identified as crucial measures of quality care. Wisconsin received top ratings in three of the four categories.

The magazine singled out Gov. Thompson for improving childcare in Wisconsin.  The governor’s 1999-2001 state budget includes more than $390 million in child care spending.

Other states receiving a top rating from Working Mother magazine are California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. The announcement will be made in the July/August issue of the magazine.

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