A young child may spend 10,000 hours in a group child care program. These early years form the foundations for how the child views themself, relates to others, manages emotions, and learns. During these formative years, there is no place for anything less than quality care and early education. Unfortunately, only ten percent of US children attending child care are enrolled in centers that meet the standards for high quality. The Playing Field has created a model for access in early education by offering the highest level of care and making that care available to all families
Our Mission
The Playing Field Is Dedicated To Breaking The Barriers Faced By Low-Income Families In Accessing High-Quality Early Care And Education.
Cost – For families who rely on childcare subsidies, most high-quality programs are far out of reach. The parent portion of the payment would simply be too high. We assure no family is turned away because of an inability to pay. Transportation – Through a partnership with Early Head Start, our midtown location offers transportation within the city limits of Madison. High Rates of Suspension and Expulsion – Two hundred and fifty preschool-aged children are suspended or expelled every day with boys of color being disproportionately impacted. We provide inclusive environments with highly skilled teachers who can support children in learning new skills.
Access to High Quality Child Care
The Playing Field Offers The Highest Level Of Early Care And Education To Children From Varied Socio-Economic Backgrounds.
“What the best and wisest parent wants for their own child, that must the community want for all of its children.”
John Dewey
Urgent:
As we strive to provide the highest quality of care and early education, our field is facing cuts at both the state and federal level.
During the pandemic, Wisconsin made much-needed funds available to child care for raising teacher salaries. The funds were already reduced and may soon be eliminated altogether. This will have a devastating impact on child care across our state.
In addition, USA Today has reported that the federal budget for 2026 will have no funds available for Head Start. This will impact hundreds of thousands of children and families who rely on Head Start for early education, child care, as well as health and developmental screenings. Over one third of the children at our midtown site receive Head Start Funding. Our grant prioritizes children experiencing homelessness and other forms of early adversity.
How to Help
Visit Raising Wisconsin to learn how to advocate for early education in Wisconsin.
Contact your state and federal representatives to voice your support for funding early care and education.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not”
Dr. Seuss The Lorax