Families rely on safe, affordable child care to be able to work. Employers depend on reliable child care options to recruit and retain employees. Young children count on child care to help them develop the social-emotional skills needed to prepare them for the future.
Paying for child care is a struggle many families face. The cost of high-quality child care can account for a larger percentage of a family’s budget than their food, housing, and utilities, or even a car payment.
If you live in Chippewa or Eau Claire County, apply for the Child Care Bridge Fund to assist you with a past due balance at your current child care program.
Click here to download a copy of the application to submit by mail or to drop it off at our office in Eau Claire.
Wisconsin Shares helps families pay for child care so that parents or other approved caregivers may work, go to school, or participate in approved work training programs. Low-income working families with children enrolled in a regulated child care program who's gross income is equal to or less than 185% Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Child care providers who can care for children must be certified, licensed, or operated by a Wisconsin public school board and participate in the YoungStar program.
For more specific income eligibility criteria and additional information about Wisconsin Shares, visit their website.
The Child Care Bridge Fund (CCBF) bridges the gap to assist working families who make more than the income threshold for Wisconsin Shares up to 300% of the federal poverty level. CCBF will assist families in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties by paying up to $1,000 for child care tuition debt to assist with financial stability while also helping to stabilize the revenue of child care programs.
Income Eligibility
To qualify for this program, a family's income must fall within 185-300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Families will need to provide proof of income or a denial/ineligibility documentation for Wisconsin Shares.
*Updated 4/3/2024 to reflect current US Federal Poverty Guidelines
Child Care Provider Eligibility
Child care providers who can care for children must be certified, licensed, or operated by a Wisconsin public school board and participate in the YoungStar program.
Due to limited funding, this funding is limited to one-time support. Processing time will vary and may take 4-6 weeks from application until payment is received by child care program.
Chat with us now or call us at 715-831-1700 with any questions!
If you would like to make a donation to help families in need cover the costs of child care, please contact Becca at becca.elbert@wdeoc.org or by phone to 715-836-7511 ext 1188.
Child Care Partnership is a program of the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council and is brought to you in part by:
