Madison Reporter

Madison College is preparing to open its Early Learning Campus at Goodman South in January 2026. The facility will offer licensed care for up to 86 children, ranging from six weeks to five years old. The campus is designed to provide practical learning spaces for students in the college’s early childhood education program and aims to support student parents and local families.

The project was funded in part by a $2.9 million Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG), which supports increased access to child care and workforce participation. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) have been key partners throughout the process.

During a recent event at Goodman South Campus, Madison College President Jennifer Berne expressed appreciation for those involved in the project. “Access to affordable childcare has the power to positively impact a family’s trajectory, fostering healthy and happy children, while also supporting a work-life balance,” Berne said. “This initiative allows Madison College to meet the needs of our student parents, while supporting workforce development partners and families throughout the community. We are so honored to collaborate with our partners on this shared goal to uplift our neighbors and communities."

Partners emphasized their ongoing commitment. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes stated, “Finding affordable child care isn’t just a family issue. It’s also an education, workforce and economic issue. With this project, Madison College has created an innovative solution that will help strengthen the Madison community and create a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Wisconsin DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek added, "Wisconsin is facing a critical shortage of quality, affordable child care, and it is affecting the ability to connect our workforce to jobs. This WIG project is an example of a local solution that will bring more child care options to the community while also providing workforce training opportunities for in-demand jobs.”

The City of Madison contributed by selling a fire station next to Goodman South Campus for $1; this building was then renovated into the new center. The facility includes eight classrooms as well as spaces for teaching staff and collaboration.

Sylvia Ramirez, Vice President of Finance and Administration at Madison College, recognized donors’ contributions: “Expanding child care capacity will help our students, their families and our communities succeed,” Ramirez said. “Thanks to our partners, this investment will lead to transformation for generations to come."