OCONTO FALLS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Encompass, which operates seven childcare facilities in Brown County, is expanding to help fulfill a need in Oconto County — an area considered to be a childcare desert.
It’s no secret access to affordable childcare continues to be an issue in communities across Wisconsin, but Oconto County, and especially Oconto Falls, has been hit particularly hard.
“A couple of years ago, the only childcare provider in Oconto Falls closed — and for the Oconto County region, there is really not much childcare, unless you drive outside to Brown County,” says Oconto Falls Administrator Peter Wills.
The lack of childcare opportunities, according to local leaders, has not only impacted employers with their ability to hire and retain employees — but it’s also impacting the population.
Wills said, “My concern is that may also have prevented people from living up in this area or not staying up in this area, that have been because of access to childcare.”
Encompass Early Education and Care is hoping to close that gap.
In a small ceremony this week, Encompass kicked off a renovation project at an existing building in Oconto Falls. Encompass plans to transform the building into a childcare center for up to 140 kids and more than a dozen staff. In addition to providing much needed childcare services, the building will also house a community hub space.
“That community hub space will be a space where local Oconto County services can also have meetings, offer services and really make the Encompass center a community center,” said Alexa Priddy with Encompass.
Encompass has launched a $3.4 million capital campaign to help pay for the center. FOX 11 has learned they’re halfway to their goal as many community partners have pitched in to help, understanding the impact the center will have not only on Oconto County children but the community as a whole.
Wills added, “Oconto County is doing $250,000 in ARPA funds. We’re actually working with Wisconsin Economic Development to help with that application and that’s another potentially $250,000. So, to have $500,00 towards a project, that’s a lot of funds, that’s a lot of support.”
The center is set to open in June of 2024.
Encompass says it’s not enrolling for the new center just yet, but they are collecting names for a waiting list.
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