Healthy development in the early years (particularly birth to three) provides the building blocks for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, lifelong health, strong communities, and successful parenting of the next generation.” Harvard Center for the Developing Child 

Science shows that positive early childhood experiences can have major short- and long-term effects on cognitive and social-emotional development. Money spent on high-quality early care and education (ECE) is an investment. One dollar spent on high-quality early care and education yields an average return of $4 over time. In circumstances where children are extremely vulnerable, the return can be as high as $13.

American families are often burdened by the high cost of childcare. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states that “affordable” childcare costs no more than 7% of a family’s income. 

When the cost of child care increases at a higher rate than the median household income, it indicates further struggles for families to afford child care in our communities. 

2023 partners  - Watertown Area YMCA, Kiddie Kampus, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Rock River Labs, 

2024 - Watertown Area YMCA, Kiddie Kampus, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Rock River Labs, Gearhead Mania, Inspector Pro.