We took a look at Wisconsin Shares data over the past five years. Because of frozen rates, more attendance based (instead of enrollment based) authorizations, and other changes, the average payment per child has gone down dramatically across the state. Providers are receiving an average of 21% less in reimbursements. This amounts to a typical loss of $1,318 per child per year.

Over this same time period, there has been a sharp reduction in the number of children served as well. There were 20% less children served on average per month in 2013 when compared to 2008. This represents 11,693 less children who receive child care through the Wisconsin Shares system.

The attached chart breaks this information down by county and tribe. So you can look up your locale and find out the specific numbers for your area in terms of children served and payment per child. This is important information to study as we head into the budget process for the next biennium.

Wisconsin Shares payments by county 2008-2013

Daithi Wolfe