Supporting Collaboration in Wood County Child Care
The Marshfield Area Community Foundation is proud to support innovative local projects that help strengthen families and community well-being, including the Shared Services Network: child care leaders building long-term strength and sustainability for child providers across Wood County.
With the help of a community grant, Childcaring consultants met with directors/administrators from thirteen child care centers to develop the Wood County Child Care Co-op, a network dedicated to shared purchasing, cost savings, and professional support.
Participating child care centers operate independently and include large non-profits to small private programs. Common goals bring them together, like immediate cost savings through collective purchasing can save centers thousands each year. (Food remains the second highest expense for most centers after wages and benefits.)
As Erica Foth, director of Apple Tree Childcare shared, “What I really want to focus on is making sure I provide a nurturing environment where children and staff can thrive.” Through shared resources, intentional planning, and collaborative problem-solving, the Co-op is helping to foster that vision.
The Foundation is proud to see this partnership grow and remains committed to supporting local solutions that ensure children, families, and communities continue to thrive.
Get Involved:
To donate to initiatives like this through a Community Grant, click here.