Improving Access to Early Care & Education, Employment Opportunities, Parenting Programs + More

Investment Spotlight

Partnership Expands Access to Early Care & Education for Families, Supports Providers

The challenges facing the early care and education sector are greater than ever before. Parents need access to child care so they can go to work. Children need high-quality early experiences to set them up for success in school and life. Providers need support to keep their doors open and classrooms staffed.

A recent story by TMJ4 of Milwaukee highlighted how severe the problem is in Dodge County. Thank you to our partners Cassi Hurst, Tricia Peterson and Renae Henning for speaking on this critically important issue.

'Childcare desert' in Dodge County nearly four times worse than in Milwaukee County

When there is a community problem like this, there must be a community solution. To help meet the needs of children, families and providers, the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF) is partnering with the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) on two important initiatives: piloting consultation for entrepreneurs looking to start a child care business; and developing a Shared Service Network to support providers with business operations in Dodge and Jefferson counties.

Consulting for start-up providers will offer services such as:

Connecting providers with resources pertinent to child care startup needs
Guidance with pre-licensing business start-up worksheet, budget planning, tuition planning, enrollment of students, program marketing, and other business tasks necessary for successful startup
Assistance with writing job descriptions and requirements, developing new employee applications and interviewing techniques

WECA’s Wisconsin’s Early Education Shared Services Network includes services in three phases: Learning, Growth & Partnership. Depending on their tier of participation, providers can access a variety of services.

With support from a GWCHF Health Equity Spark Grant, WECA’s upcoming 2021 Annual Conference will be held virtually September 30 - October 2.

The conference theme, Strength through Connections, is centered around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action in early care and education. It will feature a variety of interactive sessions including a virtual diversity exhibit, two in-person nature play workshops, three virtual book clubs, a virtual ECE Escape Room and more. Learn more and register here.

Announcing More Recent

GWCHF Investments

GWCHF continues to invest in efforts to create systems of student supports for school success, and promote active living in the community.

Wisconsin Reading Corps, which has been successful at Webster and Douglas Elementary Schools in Watertown, has expanded to Dodgeland Elementary School. The program increases schools’ ability to offer differentiated instruction and 1:1 tutoring to students who need supplemental support, a practice identified by educational researchers as critical to improving reading scores.

NOW HIRING! Reading Tutor for Dodgeland Elementary School. Make a difference by giving time and talent to help students become successful readers and learners! Tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students during school hours throughout the school year. Recent grads, career changers, stay-at-home parents or retirees, all make great tutors! Learn more & apply here.

Playworks, which has proven successful in the Watertown Unified, Dodgeland and Lake Mills School Districts, is now being expanded to the School District of Jefferson. The program establishes the mindsets, systems, and skills needed to create great recess environments that contribute to improved school climate and academic success.

Active Living Grant - As part of GWCHF's investment of $1 million into active living spaces, a grant was recently awarded to the Village of Johnson Creek for park improvements.

Learn about & apply for grants on our website

GWCHF Seeking Chief Financial Officer

As the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation continues to grow and make more investments to transform community health and wellness, we are seeking a Chief Financial Officer.

Joining our team at a pivotal moment in the Foundation’s development, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will help to drive strategies that enhance our financial capabilities and investment portfolio. The CFO will lead development of our Impact Investing strategy, facilitating broad community networks across Dodge and Jefferson Counties to execute impact investments (loans, equity, guarantees) that further our community wellbeing goals. This position will provide day-to-day management and strategic oversight for the financial and administrative operations of the Foundation, our facilities and our place-based investments, ensuring investments are supported through strong administrative infrastructure. Learn more about this exciting new position here.

Weaving a Web of Support through

Positive Parenting Programs

As part of a strategy to weave a web of support for young children and families, TalkReadPlay’s Positive Parenting Programs are being provided to parents and caregivers of children 0-12 in Dodge and Jefferson counties. Programs are free of charge.

In-person programs are now available! This month, providers from GWCHF and Watertown Family Connections led parents at St. Mark's in Watertown through a series of seminars. Next month, UW-Madison Division of Extension Dodge County will offer programming at the Parent Resource Place in Beaver Dam, co-hosted by the Beaver Dam Unified School District and Dodge County Head Start.

If your organization is interested in learning more about co-hosting parenting programs, email talkreadplay@watertownhealthfoundation.com.