The Brief

• Median annual cost for infant care in Madison reaches $23,400 — more than double UW-Madison's in-state tuition

• An analyst says Wisconsin childcare providers face staffing crisis after crucial state funding expired June 30

• High childcare costs force parents like Erin Rogers out of workforce, impacting women's labor participation statewide

MADISON, Wis. — Erin Rogers treasures quiet mornings with her two-year-old daughter while her three older children attend school. But these peaceful moments come at a significant cost. A few years ago, Rogers left her job because child care expenses made working financially impossible.

"I've looked into going back to part-time work, and it doesn't make sense right now," Rogers said.

Her story reflects a growing crisis across Wisconsin

See Full Page