News & Press
Anna Smerchek Transitions to ECE Community Engagement Manager
After a year of tirelessly working to connect Milwaukee Succeeds with the larger community, this fall Anna Smerchek transitioned to the newly created role of ECE community engagement manager.
Fall Brings More Community Engagement for Ambassadors
Over the course of the year, Milwaukee Succeeds’ ECE Ambassadors have become mainstays in the community, connecting with local residents at a variety of events and engaging with ECE providers across the city. This fall, their schedules have been packed full of events and trainings as they strive to make the most of the final few months of the year.
Milwaukee Succeeds Attends Annual Cradle to Career Convening
From September 19-21, the Milwaukee Succeeds team joined over 600 community leaders from 60+ communities across the nation for the annual StriveTogether Convening. The event, which was hosted in San Francisco, explored our shared North Star: a future where every child has every opportunity to succeed.
Teacher Shortages Endanger the Future of Child Care
Providers in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin are finding it difficult to meet the demand for quality child care because many teachers have left the field. Former teachers report that although they love working with children, they cannot continue to work for the average starting wage of $12 to $15 per hour and no benefits.
This article by Rilla Williams, is the owner of Pristine Child Care LLC, was originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as part of a special report by the Ideas Lab.
Wait lists. High costs. Our child care system is broken.
I contacted eight different child care centers. All of them had waitlists ranging from 3 to 9 months. None of them could guarantee an opening by a specific time. Not having friends or family in the nearby area that could provide immediate care 40 hours a week, I knew I wouldn’t be able to accept a role without a guaranteed child care spot. I left the workforce and became a stay-at-home mom.
This article by ECE Ambassador Callie Colbo was originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as part of a special report by the Ideas Lab.
Child care can cost as much as college. Why are so many centers in danger of closing?
Early childhood education is far more than babysitting. Since the vast majority of brain development happens before 3, this is a critical time for kids. This care is all about helping them grow, learn and develop important skills that are crucial for future success.
This editorial by Vincent Lyles was originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as part of a special report by the Ideas Lab.
ECE Director Daria Hall Says Goodbye to Milwaukee Succeeds
After four and half years as an integral part of the Milwaukee Succeeds team, Early Childhood Education (ECE) Director Daria Hall is leaving to pursue policy work as part of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Her last day with the organization is September 8.
ECE Career Program Exceeds Enrollment Expectations
The Social Development Commission’s ECE Career Program, funded by a state Workforce Innovation Grant, has exceeded its enrollment expectations despite ongoing challenges in the field. The initial goal was 35 participants. They enrolled 43.
ECE Ambassadors Have Busy Back-to-School Season
Back-to-school season is a hectic time for many - and our Early Childhood Education Ambassadors are no exception! This group has been popping up at events and resources fairs across the community to share their passion for child care.
Milwaukee Succeeds Receives $175,000 Grant to Expand Opportunities for Youth
Milwaukee Succeeds’ Youth Forward MKE Coalition has been chosen by The Wallace Foundation to participate in a one-time, one-year funding opportunity, called Advancing Opportunities for Adolescents. The coalition will use their $175,000 grant to launch the Milwaukee Freedom Academy, part of Design Your Future Proposal 3.