WEST BEND, Wis. — Across Wisconsin there’s a significant shortage of child care workers.

In cities large and small, it’s impacting parents seeking a place to take their children while they are at work. It also affects child care centers, who aren’t able to offer additional services unless open positions are filled.

The West Bend-based Kettle Moraine YMCA, which serves Washington and Ozaukee counties, is among the many child care facilities that have multiple job openings for lead teachers, classroom assistants and foodservice employees.

Kathy Saari is a lead teacher at the YMCA. On a cold winter afternoon, you’ll find her playing a matching game with a group of 2-year-olds. Saari said the job isn’t always easy, but she hopes people realize how rewarding the work can be.

“When I come in and they rush to me, and give me hugs — that feeds you to continue to enrich them,” said Saari.

Saari said getting to witness kids grow and hit new milestones is one of the best parts of the work.

“Just seeing them work a really hard puzzle that they finally got, they give unconditional love,” said Saari.

Heather Gordon serves as assistant child care director for the Kettle Moraine YMCA. Gordon said that while some positions require past experience, in child care, many do not. Gordon said they can often provide training.

“If you don’t have experience when you come in, you could be an assistant. We give you those books so that we can get you that education and that knowledge that you need,” said Gordon.

To learn more about the child care positions available with the Kettle Moraine YMCA, you can visit their hiring website. In addition, many other YMCA branches across Wisconsin are also hiring for child care roles and other positions.