Childcare Summit 2025

3 months ago

On July 12, 2025, the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce hosted the Childcare Summit 2025.

This event brought together community members, providers, and advocates to spotlight the need for investment, support, and visibility in the child care industry especially among Latina-led businesses.

The summit featured passionate testimonies, expert-led conversations, and the launch of new resources for providers. The event’s theme, “Cuidar es Transformar,” reflected the core message: that child care is not just a service, it is a transformative force for families, communities, and economies.

Highlights

Latino families and child care providers are increasingly stepping forward as change makers in addressing the child care crisis, using their voices and experiences to advocate for better solutions. The summit highlighted the need for bilingual resources and accessible funding opportunities that make child care more inclusive and sustainable for all communities. It also underscored the importance of collaboration, bringing together government agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders to create lasting, systemic change in the child care landscape.

The Event’s Main Sponsor, Clear Strand ASD provided guest with a powerful resource. Grounded in science and driven by compassion, ClearStrand’s mission is to help families and caregivers access safe, effective tools that improve quality of life. ClearStrand-ASD is the first and only objective laboratory test that can help health care providers rule out autism in children under 4 years (48 months) of age using a single strand of hair. This groundbreaking tool offers early insight by analyzing metabolic biomarkers linked to autism spectrum disorder, giving families and providers a non-invasive, science-based way to better understand a child’s developmental profile. With earlier identification and clearer answers, ClearStrand empowers caregivers to take timely next steps in care and support.

Learn more about Clear Strand ASD: www.clearstrandasd.com

historias de exito:

Carmen Hernández Founder and Director of Proveedoras Unidas. Shared with us the topic of Innovation in Early Childhood Education. She shares how her career as a provider and leader has been a tool for transformation in early childhood education. With words full of commitment and love, she reminded us that true innovation is born in daily practice and in connection with our communities. Read more here: Innovar, Inspirar y Empoderar: Carmen Hernández y el Poder de Soñar en la Cumbre de Cuidado Infantil

Ana Sanchez owner and founder of Better Together Bilingual Family Childcare LLC. Her message “Todo es posible” reflected her belief in the power of small, consistent actions to drive meaningful change. She emphasized that innovation doesn’t always come from large systems, but from everyday practices rooted in love, commitment, and collaboration. Ana’s story is a testament to the strength of community-led solutions and the potential of providers to lead transformation in early childhood education from the ground up. Read more here: Todo es Posible: Ana Sánchez y el Modelo Familiar que Triunfa en el Cuidado Infantil

Paola Nuñez from Young Star Connect shared the necessary resources and how Young Star can help aspiring Care takers on their journey to opening their own Child care business.

We heard from Nayudel Ortega, owner and founder of Jungle Day Care Bilingual Preschool. Nayudel shared her lived experience as a Latina childcare provider. She also shared how she built a successful childcare business by focusing on cultural identity, trust, and connection with the families she serves. Jungle Day Care is happy to be contributing to childcare in Wisconsin.

Dayana Blanco, was WLCC’s honor student for the Futuro program. Dayana shared her experience of growing up wanting to work in childcare. Alongside her family she learned the (structure) of a child care business.

Panel Discussion

Conversation with Child Care Experts: The Future of Child Care in Wisconsin | Conversación con expertos del cuidado infantil: El Futuro del cuidado infantil en Wisconsin

An in-depth look at the voices that are transforming the sector. The panel brought together leaders and experts in child care in Wisconsin. Through their experiences, knowledge, and proposals, current challenges were explored, and opportunities to improve and strengthen child care, especially in Latino and low-income communities. This powerful exchange of ideas brought forward voices that are transforming the child care landscape. Creating a lasting impact that will continue to inspire and support others on their journey.

Marisol Fregien – Wisconsin Registry – Data Verification Specialist Bilingual
Paola Nuñez – Young Star Connect– Bilingual Learning Environmental and Curriculum Content Specialist
Olga Neira – WECA – Spanish Bilingual Coordinator and DEIB Co-Coordinator
Luis Godinez – Madison College – Faculty, Early Childhood Education
Nayudel Ortega – Jungle Day Care & Preschool – Director & Owner
Romilia Schlueter – UW Platteville – Instructor of Infant-Toddler Credential in Spanish
Luzdarys Marquez – Wisconsin Department of Children and Families – Bilingual Child Care Licensing Specialist