Article Summary –
The Early Learning Campus at Madison College, opened with the help of nearly $4 million in state grant funding, aims to support parents pursuing education by providing child care services, thus addressing the critical state of the child care industry in Wisconsin. The center prioritizes childcare for students’ children, offers flexible care options, and serves as an educational opportunity for Madison College students. Governor Tony Evers highlighted the importance of such investments, especially given rising childcare costs and the risk of parents leaving the workforce due to inadequate care options, underscoring the center’s role in supporting both the workforce and educational pursuits.
Supported by state grant funding, a new child care center at Madison College’s Goodman South location could offer solutions to an industry that its leader describes as in crisis. The Early Learning Campus, which opened on Jan. 20, aims to serve about 100 children while providing practical learning opportunities for Madison College students.
Donna Jost, the campus child care administrator, shared her concerns with the Wisconsin Independent, citing significant challenges in early childhood care since she began working in 1989. “Child care in Wisconsin is basically hanging on by our fingernails,” she remarked.
Despite challenges, Jost expressed optimism about the new center’s potential to impact the city and state positively. “There’s a lot of growth ahead and boxes to unpack, like moving into a new home,” she noted, indicating hope for change.
A 2022 student satisfaction survey revealed that 42% of respondents were parents or caregivers. In response, Madison College began collecting data from student-parents. Natalie Wepking, a recent honors graduate, recounted her struggles as a student-parent, emphasizing that child care was the biggest hurdle, not motivation or ability.
Before utilizing Madison College’s child care services, Wepking’s daughter had been “scared and overwhelmed” at other centers. However, at Madison, her daughter thrived. “When parents know their children are safe and supported, we can focus and learn,” Wepking explained.
State grant covers nearly $3 million for center
At the ribbon-cutting event, Gov. Tony Evers celebrated the center, bolstered by $4 million in state grants, including nearly $3 million from the Workforce Innovation Grant program. Evers highlighted the importance of such investments given rising child care costs and federal policy impacts.
“Our workforce and economy can’t afford more parents leaving jobs due to lack of care,” Evers stated, emphasizing the project’s regional workforce benefits.
The city of Madison supported the project by selling the property, formerly a fire station, for $1. Priority enrollment at the Early Learning Campus favors children of students, then staff and faculty, followed by community members. Traditional work hours, evening, and drop-in care options will be offered, with possible Saturday care based on student needs.
Student-parent data showed a demand for drop-in care, which the Truax campus lacks. The new center aims to address this need, supporting student-parents during meetings or when regular care falls through.
“We’re supporting children to enable parents’ success in school, leading to better family-sustaining wages,” Jost explained. The center plays a role in a two-generation plan, focusing on child and parent support.
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