Thriving Wisconsin Highlighted As A National Model

Thriving Wisconsin’s joint Family Resource Center (FRC) and Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) model is gaining national attention as a leading example of how coordinated systems can better support families. By strategically aligning FRCs who focus on family strengthening and CCR&Rs who focus on child care access and provider support, Thriving WI is demonstrating how communities can streamline services, reduce fragmentation, and expand access to supports for families across the state.

This model reflects a broader shift happening nationwide. As outlined in the national Bridgecare blog 'What’s Next for Childcare Resource & Referral', CCR&Rs are evolving beyond their traditional referral role into comprehensive hubs for workforce development, supply building, and holistic family support. 

Wisconsin’s approach is ahead of this curve showing how deeper integration with family support systems like FRCs can strengthen both child care infrastructure and overall family well-being. Thriving Wisconsin's dual network model illustrates what’s possible when systems are intentionally connected to meet the complex, real-world needs of families, providers, and communities.

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Leadership Spotlight

We’re excited to share that Thriving Wisconsin’s Assistant Director, Connie Dunlap, has been appointed to the National Family Support Network (NFSN) Board of Directors. In addition, she will serve as Chair of NFSN’s Evaluation Committee.

In this national leadership role, Connie will help guide evaluation efforts that strengthen family support systems, elevate quality practice, and advance evidence-informed approaches across the field. Her appointment reflects both her deep expertise and Wisconsin’s long-standing leadership in family support and Family Resource Center work.

We’re proud to see Thriving Wisconsin’s leadership contributing at the national level and helping shape the future of family support nationwide.

Learn more about the National Family Support Network here.

New Resource! Play While You Wait Toolkit for Public Spaces

Supporting kids and families in public spaces is what the Play While You Wait Toolkit is all about. It provides easy‑to‑use materials for clinics, offices, and other waiting areas to help parents and caregivers engage with their children during wait times—offering simple, meaningful alternatives to technology and media.

The Toolkit can also be shared directly with parents for use at home, on the go, or anywhere families spend time waiting. It encourages playful interactions that build early learning skills, strengthen parent‑child relationships, and turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth.

This toolkit was created by members of Wisconsin's Strengthening Families Committee.

Access the toolkit here and share broadly with community partners to benefit from these resources!

Thriving Wisconsin Leads Statewide Collaboration to Track Child Care Affordability and Access

Thriving Wisconsin, in partnership with the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network and Department of Children and Families (DCF), recently led a statewide data collection effort focused on child care costs, enrollment, and waitlists. Funded through the Preschool Development Grant, the initiative was designed to identify trends in child care affordability and accessibility across Wisconsin’s child care system amid recent and anticipated changes in funding, policy, and regulation. Findings will help inform future planning, policy discussions, and supports for Wisconsin’s child care sector.

Thriving Wisconsin is deeply grateful to the child care providers who took the time to participate and share their experiences. We also extend sincere appreciation to the CCR&R agencies, DCF, and the many partner organizations (Satellite, WCCAA, WECA, WFCCA, and YoungStar Connect) that helped promote the survey and support providers throughout the data collection process. This statewide collaboration demonstrates the power of coordinated partnership in strengthening Wisconsin’s early care and education system and advancing shared solutions for children and families.

Building National Momentum for Family Resource Centers

Thriving Wisconsin’s Assistant Director, Connie Dunlap, recently attended the National Family Support Network Convening in Washington, DC (May 18–21) to advocate for Family Resource Centers (FRCs) and strengthen our network through peer learning with partners from across the country.

As part of the convening, participants engaged in discussions on emerging research and innovation at the national level, gaining valuable insights and identifying new opportunities to advance FRCs through collaboration with national partners.

While in Washington, DC, Thriving Wisconsin also participated in federal legislative visits with Representative Scott Fitzgerald, Representative Gwen Moore, and Senator Tammy Baldwin to highlight the impact of Wisconsin FRCs and emphasize the need for sustainable federal funding to continue providing these critical supports to families.

Financial Hardship & Children’s Mental Health

Financial stress doesn’t just impact families- it affects children’s mental health. Kids in financially strained households are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and bullying.

In Wisconsin, nearly 40% of children live in low-income families, and many still struggle to meet basic needs even if they are above the poverty line. Financial hardship and mental health are closely connected with each having the ability to worsen the other.

The good news: support programs like tax credits, food assistance, and access to healthcare can improve both financial stability and children’s well-being.

When families have the resources they need, children are more likely to feel safe, supported, and thrive.

See Wisconsin Office of Children's mental Health fact sheet here.

4-C Strengthens Community Partnerships at Early Learning Conference

The 4-C Marketing & Community Resources Manager recently partnered with the Madison Metropolitan School District to coordinate the 2nd Annual Early Learning Connections Conference. This collaborative event brought together key partners including WECA, the City of Madison (Accreditation), Satellite Family Child Care System, Reach Dane, UW’s Eagle’s Wing, YoungStar Connect, and American Family Insurance.

A 4-C Early Childhood Specialist led a highly attended and well-received extended breakout session, contributing valuable insights to the day’s programming. The conference welcomed over 300 registrants, providing a meaningful opportunity for 4-C to strengthen connections with community partners and early childhood professionals.

Feedback from participants highlighted the impact of the event, with one attendee noting their favorite part of the free conference was, “Spending quality time talking with other educators about improving practices.”

4-C looks forward to building on this momentum by continuing to foster partnerships and expand learning opportunities that support and uplift the early childhood community.

CCR&R, Inc. Supports Safe Sleep Initiative for Local Families

Child Care Resource & Referral, Inc. (CCR&R Inc.) is an active member of the Safe Sleep Coalition through Safe Kids Wisconsin, a collaborative group dedicated to advocating for and educating infant caregivers on safe sleep practices.



During a recent coalition meeting, two local county nurses reported a concerning increase in sleep-related infant deaths, particularly in situations where caregivers lacked access to essential safe sleep items such as a crib, mattress, and sleep sack.

In response to this urgent need, CCR&R Inc. took action to support families who cannot afford these critical resources. The organization presented at the local Power of 100+ Women’s Giving Circle, a quarterly event where more than 100 women each contribute $100 and vote to award the collective donation to a nonprofit presenter.

CCR&R Inc.'s Child and Family Services Manager highlighted the alarming rise in sleep-related infant deaths within the community and introduced a proposed Safe Sleep Program as a solution. The program emphasizes collaboration with hospitals, family-serving organizations, and county health and human services departments to identify families in need and distribute safe sleep bundles. Each bundle includes a portable crib, crib mattress, fitted sheet, mattress protector, and sleep sack.

Following the presentation, CCR&R Inc. received the majority vote and was awarded $11,100 to support the initiative. Thanks to this generous contribution, the organization distributed its first safe sleep bundle in late March to a deeply grateful mother, marking an important step toward improving infant safety in the community.