OCCFR Blog
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Navigating Change: A CCAMPIS Grant Update and Our Path Forward
OCCFR director Cigdem Unal’s message regarding the 2026 CCAMPIS grant competition results.
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Degrees of Impact: Erin Trondson
A Story Made Possible by CCTAP Each year, the Child Care Tuition Assistance Program at UW–Madison helps parenting students do something remarkable: finish their degrees. Degrees of Impact tells the stories of…
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A Decade of Dedication: Expanding child care access and strengthening support for UW–Madison families
by Cigdem Unal, Director, Office of Child Care and Family Resources August 2025 marked the 10-year anniversary of Cigdem Unal’s leadership as director of the Office of Child Care and Family Resources…
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Looking for Summer Child Care? Explore Campus and Network Options!
Summer is here, and we know that finding high-quality, reliable child care remains a top priority for UW families. Whether you are looking for a last-minute summer camp to fill a seasonal…
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Celebrating Jake Brunkard: This Year’s Outstanding Student Parent Support Award Recipient
Wa graduate student found out she was expecting her first child, she wasn’t sure how her research mentor, Jake Brunkard, would react. What she got was enthusiasm, flexibility, and an open door.…
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Celebrating Children’s Literature and Community Connection: Charlotte Zolotow Award at UW–Madison
This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Charlotte Zolotow Award event at the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) at UW–Madison. This meaningful gathering celebrates outstanding writing in children’s literature—work that…
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Celebrating the Week of the Young Child: A Message of Gratitude and Hope
Dear Families, Children, and Early Childhood Educators, As we welcome the Week of the Young Child (April 11-17, 2026) we are reminded of the deep importance of this special celebration. Sponsored by…
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Building Connection and Community Across Our UW–Madison Child Care and Education System (CCES)
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…
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Fathers in Focus Conference: Celebrating Connection and Support for Wisconsin Dads
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…
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Free Parenting Education at UW–Madison: Fall 2025 Series Preview
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…
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Amanda Zuehlke and Susan Thibeault Receive 2025 OCCFR Award for Outstanding Student Parent Support
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…
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Expanding High-Quality Child Care Access for UW Families
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…
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Earth-to-Kiddos: Family-Friendly Events and Activities to Celebrate Earth Day
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,…
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OCCFR Announcement
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…
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Snow Much Fun! 5 Budget-Friendly Winter Activities for Kids
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.…
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Special Delivery! Baby Baskets Provide Essential Infant Supplies for Parenting Students
At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) is dedicated to supporting parenting students as they navigate the challenges of higher education while raising a…
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Welcome back, Badgers!
Dear Parenting Students, On behalf of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR), I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all new and returning parenting students…
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Kicking Off the School Year with a Bash
Welcome back, Badgers! We hope you’ve had a fantastic summer filled with family, friends, and fun. As the new school year approaches, there’s an exciting buzz in the air—Fall and the thrill…
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Empowering Early Childhood Educators
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Evjue Foundation, as well as to our friends and supporters, for their generous contributions. Your support has been instrumental in making these professional development…
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Expanding Classroom Libraries, Creating Lifelong Learners
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we have been able to purchase a wide selection of the best and newest children’s books to restock the bookshelves across our campus child…