The University of Wisconsin–Madison has received a Business/Corporation Award from the Wisconsin Child Care Administrators Association (WCCAA), recognizing the university’s sustained commitment to children, families, educators, and high-quality early childhood education.
UW–Madison takes a comprehensive approach to supporting parenting students, employees, and families by strengthening access to child care and related resources. Across campus, these efforts include paid parental leave, flexible and remote work options, parenting classes and family programs, discounted back-up child care services, and the Child Care Tuition Assistance Program for parenting students.
The university also supports families through the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System, including both campus and network child care centers and family child care options, and the dedicated Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR), which provides leadership, coordination, and financial support to sustain these systems.
Cigdem Unal, director of OCCFR, which is housed in the School of Education, nominated UW–Madison for the award and presented it to Jeff Novak, associate vice chancellor for finance and administration, who accepted on behalf of the university.
“At UW–Madison, child care is recognized as essential to student success, employee well-being, and a thriving campus community,” said Unal. “I am grateful for Jeff’s leadership, partnership, and continued commitment to this important work, including his support of Eagle’s Wing, one of our outstanding campus child care centers.”
Unal added, “We thank WCCAA for this meaningful recognition and for its ongoing advocacy on behalf of children, families, and early childhood educators across Wisconsin. We are also proud of UW–Madison’s continued dedication to supporting the vital role of early childhood education.”