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Waunakee 4K providers urge higher reimbursements as state 'Get Kids Ready' program forces a choice
Summary
Three local 4K providers told the Waunakee Community School District board they are operating at a loss and urged higher reimbursement as a new state program will require centers to choose between district contracts and state funding for 2026–27.
Three community 4K providers told the Waunakee Community School District board they are struggling to keep programs financially viable and urged the district to consider raising reimbursement rates as the state’s new Get Kids Ready program creates a forced choice for centers.
Maria Fitzgibbon, owner of the Village Early Childhood Center (formerly Leap Academy), said reimbursement rose from roughly $3,300 per child in 2015 to about $3,600 now while operating costs for staff, insurance and food have climbed. “In 2023 and 2024, our center lost $30,700 in 2023 and $30,300 in 2024 on the 4K program,” she told the board and said a meaningful increase is “essential for…
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