As policymakers in Madison redesign the state’s child care subsidy program – known as Wisconsin Shares – it is important to understand the original vision for the program. This report investigates the development and implementation of Wisconsin Shares and its linkages to the state’s landmark W-2 welfare reform initiative. In particular, we explore how the specific foundational child care policies enacted to effectuate W-2’s larger reform goals impacted child care quality, and the consequences for those now seeking to redesign the program.