By Cigdem Unal, Director, Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) There’s a special kind of energy that fills the room when our dedicated and passionate early childhood education leaders come together — an energy rooted in shared purpose, care, and a collective commitment to uplifting children, families, and educators across our community. At …
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Fathers in Focus conference brought together fathers, mentors, and community members from across Wisconsin for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. Hosted by the UW–Madison Division of Extension, the event offered workshops and discussions on topics including co-parenting, mental health, family finances, and community support. The Office …
This fall, OCCFR is offering a free series of parenting classes for UW–Madison students, employees, and their families. Led by expert instructors, the sessions cover topics like sleep solutions, behavior challenges, school transitions, and children’s health—providing practical tools and community support for every stage of early parenting.
Student parent success is about more than grades and graduation. It’s about having the support to balance two full-time roles: student and caregiver. At times, that balancing act can be overwhelming. Support may come through financial assistance, peer community, or — as many students have shared — simple empathy and flexibility from professors and supervisors. …
Three accredited child care centers join the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System High-quality child care provides a vital foundation for UW–Madison students, staff, and faculty as they pursue academic and professional goals. The Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) recognizes the necessity of child care and is taking another important step by …
Did you know that Earth Day started right here in Wisconsin? Founded in 1970 by former state senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day began on April 22nd as a day of rallies, events, marches, and public lectures to raise awareness about ongoing environmental issues. Since then, Earth Day has been celebrated annually on April 22nd across …
Dear UW-Madison Families and Early Educators, I’m writing to share some updates from the Office of Child Care and Family Resources as we start the new year together. On December 20th, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our dear colleague Barb Douglas, sending her our best wishes as she begins an exciting new chapter in …
Although Wisconsin isn’t known for its great snowfalls like its neighbor to the west, it’s safe to say that winter of 2024-2025 has been particularly dry when it comes to precipitation. Although building snow forts might not be an option this year, here are a few wintertime activities for which you just need a …