The focus of this work has been to uplift the voices, experiences, and expertise of residents, leaders, and stakeholders in Rock County, and to promote greater awareness and understanding of racial and ethnic disparities here, as well as the systemic and structural racism that is at the root of inequities. Our goal for this report is to lay the data groundwork for prompting community dialogue and inquiry. It is our hope that Rock County is able to utilize this report and the intended subsequent discussions to develop a sustained, community-wide effort to address the racial and ethnic disparities that we identified in our data, and that have been described by local communities of color for many years.
Early Care & Education: Supporting Wisconsin Families During Children’s Early Years
Regardless of race, place, or income, every child in Wisconsin deserves a strong start in life. This early foundation plays a critical role in life-long health and wellness. But systemic racism and poverty destabilizes families and communities and creates unhealthy conditions and barriers that harm children in their early development. This process of destabilization not only prevents children from having a strong start but can persist over the course of their lives.
