Lang-ColorStars-BlueBack-DreamUp-Logo - 200x200

Langlade County Child Care Dream UP! Team to Host Child Care Resource Fair

The Langlade County Child Care Dream UP! Team is excited to announce the Child Care Resource Fair scheduled to take place on November 15, 2023, at the Antigo Public Library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event aims to address the critical issue of child care shortages in Langlade County and provide valuable resources and information to individuals interested in the child care industry.

With a shortage of 360 daycare slots in the county and a growing need for safe and affordable child care services, the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation secured a significant $75,000 Dream Up Child Care grant from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. This grant will play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge by providing financial support to new child care start-ups, existing family daycares, and licensed daycare facilities, as well as offering scholarships to those pursuing further education in the childcare field.

To effectively manage this grant and tackle child care challenges head-on, the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation formed a task force involving local agencies in healthcare, social services, education, housing, and child care, along with state agencies providing resources and education to child care providers.

The task force has partnered with a local marketing firm to create a strong online and offline presence, utilizing social media and other marketing tools. The goal is to educate and inform the community about the child care shortages in the area and raise awareness about the availability of funds to promote and expand child care services in Langlade County.

The fair will be an essential part of this initiative. It is open to a wide audience, including child care providers, individuals considering a career in child care, and anyone who wants to learn more about the child care challenges faced by the local workforce and employers. Attendees will have access to information on grant fund availability and the application process, among other child care-related resources and services.

In addition to the informative aspect of the fair, there will be fun activities for kids, making it a family-friendly event for all.

We encourage everyone to join us on November 15, 2023, at the Antigo Public Library and take part in this vital effort to address child care shortages in Langlade County. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact on our community’s child care challenges.

Download the grant guidelines and application by clicking here.  For more information about this event, please contact the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation at 715-623-5123.