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 expanding the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System (CCES) once again.
We are thrilled to announce that on July 1, 2025, three accredited child care centers will join the existing UW-affiliated network, extending CCES access to more families on Madison’s east and west sides.
We warmly welcome:
- Isthmus Montessori Academy: offers a rich, child-led experience grounded in Montessori philosophy
- Middleton Early Childhood Center: provides a vibrant bilingual immersion program serving families in the Middleton area
- The Playing Field – East: recognized for its trauma-informed approach to early care and education
These centers join three campus-based centers and six existing network centers in offering priority enrollment to UW-affiliated families and accepting UW Child Care Tuition Assistance Program (CCTAP) funding.
Child care and education programs within the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System display the highest standard of early childhood education programming, implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, providing enriching learning environments, and improving accessibility for UW families. These centers uphold the university’s values of excellence and family-centered support, helping all UW families thrive.
In addition to the nine network centers and the three campus centers, UW–Madison also maintains a long-standing partnership with the Satellite Family Child Care System, a network of Satellite-accredited, home-based early learning providers that are part of the CCES.
“This expansion reflects OCCFR’s continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of UW families through strong partnerships and a shared vision of high-quality child care and education,” said Cigdem Unal, Director of the Office of Child Care and Family Resources. “We’re proud to lead efforts that allow children and families to thrive.”
To explore all child care options and learn more about the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System, visit our Finding Child Care page.