Impact
The Office of Child Care and Family Resources plays a vital role in strengthening both UW–Madison and the wider community.
By expanding access to high-quality child care, supporting parenting students and employees, and investing in early childhood educators, OCCFR removes barriers that can interrupt academic progress, limit workforce participation, or strain family stability. Our programs help student parents stay enrolled and graduate, support employees in balancing work and caregiving, and enhance the quality of early learning environments across campus. These efforts ripple beyond the university—boosting local economic stability, preparing the next generation of early childhood professionals, and contributing to a healthier, more resilient community. The impact of this work can be seen not only in data, but in the lived experiences of the students, families, and educators who rely on OCCFR every day.
By-the-Numbers
440
UW children receiving care within the UW–Madison Child Care & Education System
132
Badger families receiving discounted hourly child care through the KidsKare program
153
UW students getting hands-on experience teaching and observing in campus child care
134
Parenting students receiving support through the Child Care Tuition Assistance Program (CCTAP)
197%
Increase in child care enrollment capacity in the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System since 2015
3.76
Average GPA at graduation among parenting students who receive support from OCCFR
11,578
Hours of hands-on teaching and learning for early childhood education students at campus child care centers
20%
Child care tuition discount for early childhood educators with young children at UW campus child care centers
Who We Serve
Parenting Students
Parenting students receive holistic support designed to help them stay enrolled and graduate on time. OCCFR offers child care tuition assistance, emergency child care grants, discounted back-up care, free parent education, and family-friendly events that build community and reduce isolation. We also provide personalized resource navigation, access to parenting classes and one-on-one coaching, and connections to high-quality child care options.
Parenting Employees
UW employees who are raising children can access flexible, reliable support that helps them balance work and family life. OCCFR offers discounted back-up child care, family-friendly programming, parenting education, and the Campus Lactation Space Map. Parenting employees with a University Staff appointment may also qualify for the Mary Czynszak-Lyne University Staff Child Care Award, created to help maintain stability and continuity of high-quality child care during personal & family emergencies.
Early Childhood Educators
Early childhood educators within the UW–Madison Child Care & Education System benefit from professional development, leadership support, and wellness initiatives that strengthen workforce stability and morale. OCCFR funds conference participation and center reaccreditation, provides training opportunities, facilitates leadership transitions, and fulfills classroom needs through mini-grants and wish lists. These supports help educators deliver exceptional care and uphold high-quality early learning standards.
Education Students
Students preparing for careers in early childhood education gain hands-on opportunities through OCCFR’s partnerships with campus child care centers. These centers serve as teaching laboratories where students can complete practica, internships, and research experiences in real classrooms. OCCFR also funds paid student positions, promotes experiential learning, and connects emerging educators with resources that support their academic and professional growth.
CCTAP has given us the freedom to focus on our long-term career goals without the constant stress of figuring out how to afford child care. Knowing that we have access to high-quality and nurturing child care brings us tremendous peace of mind. OCCFR’s support has allowed me to fully focus on completing my degree, and we are truly grateful for all they do.