Gone the 4th of July week? Here’s a way to catch up on a flurry of press about child care. A front-page two-part series in the Wisconsin State Journal (WSJ) led to several reactions focusing on YoungStar’s impact on improving quality and the challenges of an underfunded child care system. Altogether there were 7 articles, columns, and letters to the editor:

Reporter Doug Erickson’s two-part series:

•  Earning Their Stars: Child care employees have headed to college in droves
•  Becoming Better: A child care center is trying to climb the ratings ladder

WSJ Editorial on the YoungStar:

• Editorial: Rating system working for kids

Letter to the editor by Jill Hoiting of Supporting Families Together Association:

• Investing in early childhood care essential

Chris Rickert’s column on America’s underfunded child care system:

• God bless American child care? Try France’s

WECA’s Jeanette Paulson’s letter to the editor:

• Affordable education fundamental to child care quality

WCCAA’s Mary Madsen’s letter to the editor:

• Wisconsin’s child care system unsustainable

As we celebrated the values that form America’s foundation in the Declaration of Independence, it’s heartening to see attention on our youngest Wisconsin citizens, and ponder how well we are ensuring their unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Dave Edie