By Claire Lindstrom
Claire Lindstrom is a strategic professional with over 15 years of experience in business development, communications, education, and project management. She has worked in continuing education at both Chippewa Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and she holds a Master’s in Information and Communication Technologies from UW–Stout. For the past three years, Claire has also partnered with the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association supporting parents in advocating for solutions to the childcare crisis. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two kids, and their dog.
While we are grateful that the 2025–2027 Wisconsin state budget includes childcare funding for the first time in history, the reality is clear: it isn’t enough. Childcare centers are still struggling, and families cannot afford for this issue to be put on the back burner.
In just the past month, two childcare centers in Eau Claire announced they will close by the end of August. These closures leave families scrambling to secure care, children experience disruption and uncertainty, and dedicated staff are suddenly out of work. They are a stark reminder that the childcare crisis is ongoing, and real families are paying the price.
“This is so frustrating. We are literally scrambling looking for a good daycare. Both my husband and I need to work full-time and cannot stay home with our daughter. We are also expecting to find a daycare that will have not one but hopefully a future opening for a newborn as well, which is so difficult.”
These closures are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger pattern across Wisconsin and the nation as centers grapple with rising costs, limited workforce, and inadequate funding. The letters and parent comments we’ve gathered underscore how deeply this impacts families, employers, and communities.
What can you do?
- If you’re in Eau Claire: Share these stories with your state and local elected officials.
- Ask your employer how they are supporting employees affected by the childcare crisis.
- Talk to community leaders, friends, and family—remind them childcare remains a critical issue.
- Outside Eau Claire? Find out if closures are happening in your area. Connect with affected families, gather their stories, and share them with local officials.
- Contact your federal congresspeople and urge them to act. Share these stories so Washington understands what’s at stake.
Solving this crisis will require creativity, collaboration, and persistence. When government falls short, our greatest strength is in our communities—and together, we can make a difference.
For more context, here are some recent articles worth reading:
Fox 11 News Report | The 74 Million | WBUR Report