Madison College opened its new Early Learning Campus at its Goodman South Campus to provide childcare and train the next generation of early childhood educators.

On Jan. 15, Madison College unveiled its new Early Learning Campus in the old fire station next to its Goodman South Campus. The new building, coupled with its early childhood education program, will allow for much-needed childcare for its students while they pursue their studies. The Early Learning Campus is planned to officially open on Jan. 20, serving up to 85 children Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

“This new facility couldn’t come at a more important time for many families,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “It costs more to put two young kids in child care than it does to pay for the average rent and mortgage. And even if folks can find and afford child care, families may be waitlisted for months due to space and lack of child care options.”

The opening of the new childcare center comes at a perfect time, Gov. Evers said. He noted the increased costs many face due to federal funding cuts in health care that already leave many in dire financial straits.

“That is no joke, folks. Our workforce [and] our economy cannot afford more parents leaving their jobs because they can’t find care,” Gov. Evers said. “The Early Learning Campus is filling a critical childcare gap here in Madison and connecting the dots for families that have local and high-quality care they deserve.”