You can view this information in two ways:

1. Pictorially. The Map feature gives a picture of ECE information along with background shading of census data. It allows the user to zoom, pan, and update the map with many configurable options
2. Numerically. You can view three different Standard or Custom reports that give the hard numbers of what the map shows pictorially. Both standard and custom reports allow you to report on any county, city (or town or village), school district, or the entire state. Standard reports preset the census data that is applicable with the ECE data displayed. Custom reports allow you to choose which census data you would like along side the ECE data.

If you would like help using the site, please read the brief tutorial on the Help page. Please note that this site works best with JavaScript and popup windows enabled (they are necessary for some features: the map, definition help, printable maps, reports with multiple geographical levels). Session cookies are also necessary for the standard and custom reports.

Note that because of the wide range of data used, they are updated at different times. Child care, subsidy, food program, and accreditation data are updated quarterly (last updated as of May 2006). School district data is updated yearly (last information from the 2005-2006 school year). Head Start information is compiled yearly (last surveyed June 2005). Census data is surveyed every 10 years (last surveyed in 1999).

The Wisconsin Child Care Research Partnership (WCCRP) at the University of Wisconsin-Extension, which has led the design of this web site, would like to thank many for their help in providing these data. The Applied Population Laboratory (APL) has designed the map and reports, working hard to build upon their work from the Food Security Web site. The Child Care Section at the Department of Workforce Development has provided the data related to subsidized children and regulated care (because of their shared provider file with the Department of Health and Family Services, Bureau of Regulation and Licensing). The Child Care Resource and Referral agencies have provided latitude and longitude coordinates for programs that would not geocode well. Head Start agencies have given confirmation of their Head Start and Early Head Start centers. The food program has been generous in sharing its data. Also special thanks to all those from these and other agencies who have helped improve the accuracy and usability of this site.