At The Playing Field, we commit to making the highest level of quality available to children from varied backgrounds. We seek to care for children in the context of our diverse community and we see this as a beginning step towards minimizing the disparity between our youngest citizens.
High Quality Care
- Very low child to teacher ratios
- Educated, experienced teachers
- A focus on early attachments and brain development
- Engaging interactions and environments
- Accredited by the City of Madison Child Care Accreditation
- Five star rating with Young Star, Wisconsin’s quality rating system
In her book, False Starts, author Dr. Casey Stockstill states that two-thirds of American preschools are segregated―concentrating primarily poor children of color or affluent white children in separate schools. The Playing Field has built a diverse school family by reserving funding spaces for families based on income level. We have become a model for equity in early education as well as trauma sensitive care.
“Don’t follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail.”
Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges
Our Enrollment Process
Our virtual tours introduce parents to our unique model. It is important for parents to understand our mission and how we care for children.
Steps to Enrollment:
- Participate in a virtual tour which introduces our school family
- Email us with your interest – include your child’s age, intended enrollment date, and preferred location
- Join our waitlist at your desired location
- When an enrollment spot is offered, attend an on site tour
- Secure your child’s place with payment of first month’s tuition and registration fee
2025-2026 Calendar
AUG 28 and 29: Closed – Staff Development
SEPTEMBER 1: Closed – Labor Day
NOVEMBER 26-28: Closed -Thanksgiving Holidays
DECEMBER 24 – JANUARY 2: Closed -Christmas Break
JANUARY 19: Closed – Staff Development
APRIL 3: Closed – Staff Development
MAY 25: Closed – Memorial Day
JUNE 19: Closed – Juneteenth
JUNE 29 – JULY 3: Closed – Fourth of July Summer Break
Enrollment is based on your child’s age as of September 1st, 2026.
To provide continuity of care, we only transition children in the summer before the new school year begins. The rate does not change on the child’s birthday, but rather when they move to the next classroom.
Under Two Years
TPF Classroom Ratio 3:8
Wisconsin Allowed Ratio 2:8
Wisconsin Allowed Ratio 2:8
Full Time: $2417 per month, $580 per week
Part-time* (3 days per week): $1875 per month, $450 per week
Part-time* (2 days per week): $1250 per month, $300 per week
Drop In (Subject to availability): $165 per day
Two to Three Years
TPF Classroom Ratio 2:8
Wisconsin Allowed Ratio 2:14
Wisconsin Allowed Ratio 2:14
Full Time: $2083 per month, $500 per week
Part-time* (3 days per week): $1625 per month, $390 per week
Part-time* (2 days per week): $1083 per month, $260 per week
Drop In (Subject to availability): $140 per day
Three to Five Years
TPF Classroom Ratio 2:12
Wisconsin Allowed Ratio 2:22
Wisconsin Allowed Ratio 2:22
Full Time: $1667 per month, $400 per week
Part-time* (3 days per week): $1312 per month, $315 per week
Part-time* (2 days per week): $875 per month, $210 per week
Drop In (Subject to availability): $130 per day
Part Day Schedule (East Preschool only): $1000 per month, $240 per week
Full Day 4K with Wrap Care
4K Eligible with Wrap Care
$1145 per month, $275 per week
4K School Year Only
4K – 4 Days/Week
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
No cost
Please note that the days included in the 4 day per week 4K program are subject to change.
* Due to Space Restrictions, Part Time Enrollment Is Available Only At Our New East Side Location
*The Playing Field closes the week between Christmas and New Years Day, and also the week of July 4th. Families are not billed for these weeks. Full time monthly rates are calculated using the weekly rates times 50 weeks and dividing by 12 months.
*Preschool Part Day Rates are based on 8:30 – 11 AM Monday – Friday
*Annual TPF Enrollment Fee Due at Registration is $75.00