Madison College is set to establish a new child care facility at its Goodman South Campus, fulfilling a commitment to support the South Madison community and train future early childhood educators. The $10 million Early Learning Campus is scheduled to open in January 2026 and will accommodate 75-86 children from six weeks to five years old. This initiative aims to address the scarcity of child care options in the area, particularly for infants.
The facility will enhance opportunities for Madison College's early childhood education students by providing practical training space. It also seeks to alleviate the shortage of affordable and accessible child care in South Madison, an issue worsened by a significant decline in the child care workforce between 2020 and 2021. With 42% of its students being parents, Madison College is focusing on meeting their needs while supporting local families and workforce partners.
“Now is the time to bridge the childcare gap for our students. Madison College and its outstanding partners look forward to continuing to be a part of the solution as we present innovative initiatives like this Early Learning Campus,” said Madison College President Jack E. Daniels. "This step forward is not just about supporting education; it’s about fostering sustainable futures, enhancing lives, and serving our community for generations to come.”
Governor Tony Evers expressed his support for expanding childcare options through funding from a Workforce Innovation Grant. “What’s best for our kids is best for our state, and ensuring working families have access to quality, affordable child care in our local communities is a critical part of not only doing what’s best for kids but also what’s best for our state’s workforce and our economy,” he stated.
The project has evolved with broad community collaboration over several years. The City of Madison contributed by selling an adjacent fire station building for $1, which will be renovated into eight classrooms, a kitchen, multipurpose room, teacher workspace, and collaboration areas.
“The City of Madison is proud to be part of a coalition that recognized a critical need for the community and worked together to provide a solution," said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. "Lack of affordable childcare shouldn’t be a barrier to success for any family in Madison."
Funding includes $1.8 million from the college's Workforce Innovation Grant, $1.45 million from Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Early Education grant, contributions from private donors such as $2 million from Roots & Wings Foundation, $1 million from Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, among others.
“The Department of Workforce Development is thrilled to partner with Madison College’s Goodman South Campus," remarked DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “Access to high-quality childcare is essential for a successful workforce and thriving community.”
Construction on the Early Learning Campus will commence in January 2025.
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