WC Wisconsin News

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) Project Growth Program is now accepting applications for a new grant that seeks to help families working full-time schedules locate affordable child care, according to a WEAU report.

The Partner Up! grant will assist companies in covering the expenses of child care for their employees.

“Partner UP! is really Wisconsin’s answer to what we’ve been hearing from employers and from families all over Wisconsin,” Wisconsin DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson said.

Additionally, the grant program would invest approximately $11 million to foster collaboration between companies and child care providers.

“Partner Up! is really an opportunity to connect high-quality childcare in communities with businesses who are interested in getting a little innovative in helping their own employees access high-quality care,” Amundson said.

Through Partner Up!, businesses may cover up to 25% of child care expenses, with the remainder covered by grant funds.

Becca Elbert, assistant director of Western Dairyland's Child Care Partnership program, said her program will aid local companies in navigating Partner Up!, adding that the grant may help create opportunities for stronger partnerships.

“We will provide support in the application process, reaching out and helping businesses understand and connecting them and creating partnerships with regulated child care programs,” Elbert said.

Partner Up! applications will be accepted until April 4; however, priority consideration will be granted to companies who submit their applications by March 14.