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 our recent UW–Madison Child Care and Education System (CCES) meeting, we focused on something at the very heart of our work: community building and collaboration. The day began with coffee, and warm conversation — simple but powerful ways to reconnect. Our opening icebreaker, “Two Truths and a Wish,” invited everyone to share what makes their centers unique while envisioning what’s possible for the future. These moments of joy and shared purpose set the tone for a day grounded in partnership, reflection, and hope.
Throughout the morning, we explored key updates on our Network Center Contracts, covering enrollment, reimbursement, data and reporting, licensing and accreditation, and new opportunities for educational collaboration. Each conversation reaffirmed how much stronger we are together — how shared systems, open communication, and trust make it possible for every center to thrive while continuing to deliver exceptional early care and education to UW families.
The afternoon brought our Campus and Satellite Directors into the discussion. Over a shared lunch, we strengthened our connections in the most human way — through food, and genuine appreciation for one another’s work. Later sessions focused on CCTAP payment procedures, staffing and well-being initiatives, and accreditation progress, highlighting the collective impact of our educators and directors who continue to lead with compassion and integrity.
Together, we’re leading programs that inspire growth and cultivating a community where early care and education flourish. Every story shared, every challenge explored, and every idea exchanged reflected our shared commitment to ensuring that UW–Madison families experience a child care and education system rooted in quality, compassion, and genuine human connection.
We ended the day with an invitation to pause — to take a walk through the Arboretum, breathe, and connect informally. It was a meaningful reminder that reflection, rest, and self-care are essential parts of leadership, too.
This gathering — and the important work it represents — was made possible through the generosity of the Evjue Foundation, whose support allows us to continue building meaningful connections and advancing high-quality early childhood education across campus and in our community.
To every director and educator who joined us: thank you. Your leadership, creativity, and partnership make the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System stronger every day. Together, we are not only building programs — we are building community one family at a time.