With the opening of the new $10 million Early Learning Campus (ELC), Madison College in Wisconsin has expanded childcare and strengthened future early childhood educator training.

The 20,324-square-foot center now provides licensed care to 85-100 children from six weeks to five years old, addressing a critical shortage of childcare options in the City of Madison. In addition, the facility offers flexible options, including drop-in, evening and weekend care, to meet the needs of working families and students.

The ELC initiative directly supports Madison College students who are parents and caregivers. Research consistently shows that student parents with access to affordable, reliable childcare are more likely to complete their education, access higher-paying jobs and improve long-term economic stability for their families.

Madison College President Jennifer Berne joined students, faculty, industry partners and community collaborators to celebrate the ELC opening at a Jan. 15 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Affordable childcare can change the trajectory of a family’s life,” Berne said. “When student parents know their children are safe and supported, they are better able to complete their education and pursue their goals. This investment strengthens families, supports our workforce, and reflects Madison College’s commitment to removing barriers to education. We are grateful for the bold leadership that established Goodman South Campus in 2019 and are proud to build on that vision today.”

Strengthening early childhood education

The new facility strengthens Madison College’s early childhood education program by immersing students in real-world learning environments that build the skills needed for professional childcare careers. Students will have greater access to observations, practicums and internships, advancing their hands-on preparation.

The ELC builds on the vision of Madison College President-Emeritus Jack Daniels, who championed the creation of the Goodman South campus in 2019 to expand education and services to an underserved neighborhood. This project addresses the childcare shortage and continues the college’s commitment to equitable success.

“The Early Learning Campus represents a promise kept,” Daniels said. “Goodman South Campus was built to expand opportunities in the South Madison community that had long been underserved, and childcare was always part of that vision. By delivering on that commitment, Madison College is honoring the spirit in which this campus was created. The return on this investment will be felt for generations.”

Gov. Tony Evers and the Evers Administration have been steadfast supporters of the ELC, having secured critical funding to support its development at the Goodman South campus. In 2021, the governor awarded Madison College nearly $2.9 million in grant funding through the successful Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) program to support the college’s efforts to bolster childcare availability in the area and training and upskilling for in-demand jobs in the early childhood educator field. Administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the governor created this program to support projects aimed at addressing long-term solutions to Wisconsin’s regional workforce challenges, including childcare.

The governor and his administration subsequently secured an additional more than $3 million in federal pandemic relief funds to support the Early Childhood Education and Workforce Training program, including $1.45 million in funds to support construction of the ELC facility not covered by WIG.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Workforce Development were key partners, connectors and supporters of this vital work.

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