MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families announced the launch of "Get Kids Ready" on Tuesday, Jan. 13. It is billed as the state's first entirely state-funded childcare program that provides free school readiness programming for 4-year-olds.

The program will provide $65 million in direct payments to childcare providers who offer school readiness programming to 4-year-olds during the 2026-27 school year. The state pays childcare providers for the time children spend in the program, making that part of the day free for families.

Qualified childcare providers will focus on developing academic, physical, social-emotional and self-help skills that children need to succeed in school, according to DCF. The program is designed to help prepare children for kindergarten.

Families with children who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 and are interested in the program can visit DCF's website for more information on the application process.

DCF Secretary Jeff Pertl said the program aims to ensure Wisconsin families have the resources necessary to make the first day of kindergarten a gateway of opportunity.