Our Partners

WI Dept of Children and Families (DCF): The mission of DCF is to improve the economic & social well-being of Wisconsin’s children, youth & families. Through its Division of Early Care & Education (DECE), the DCF aims to provide access to affordable, high-quality child care & early education experiences, to enhance our children’s development and to support their families in work & parenting roles. DCF houses Child Care Licensing & Certification, Milwaukee County Child Care Administration, YoungStar, Wisconsin Shares, Operations and Planning & Program Integrity. DCF also supports the numerous Head Start Programs in the state.

WI Dept of Health Services (DHS): DHS is committed to protecting & promoting the health & safety of the people of WI. Through 5 big initiatives & collaborative efforts with WI & national entities, it provides up to date information & resources that support the mental and physical wellbeing of children & families. DHS also oversees the Birth to 3 Program, which is Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, and the Katie Beckett, the Child-Community Option, and the Children’s Long-Term Supports Programs.

WI Dept of Public Instruction (DPI): This state agency advances public education & libraries. Its vision of having every child graduate, college & career ready, begins with the belief that quality early childhood services for all young children (Birth – Age 8) and their families promote equity & ensure that children enter school ready to succeed. DPI aspires to this belief by supporting the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices grounded in research to foster young children’s optimal learning & development.