As the autumn leaves painted a vivid tapestry across the UW–Madison campus, an exciting opportunity unfolded for early childhood educators, School of Education researchers, and students who are preparing to become future teachers.
On Oct. 13, the UW–Madison child care system hosted an open house and networking event. The occasion served as a crucial hub for the early childhood education community, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration between School of Education faculty, students who are preparing to become teachers, and UW–Madison’s Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR). The School of Education’s Office of Professional Learning and Community Education (PLACE) also played a key role in disseminating this information to faculty and students, further highlighting the partnership’s significance.
The goal of the event was to unite early childhood educators, fostering connections and enabling the exchange of best practices. It presented an invaluable chance for participants to gather insights from their peers, collaborate on innovative teaching methods, and fortify the educational community’s network.
A standout feature of the day was the open invitation to explore UW–Madison’s three nationally accredited campus child care centers — Eagle’s Wing Child Care, UW Child Development Lab, and the Waisman Early Childhood Program. These centers are vital to crafting exceptional early educational experiences.
Each center’s open house featured informative stations that showcased curricula, materials, and initiatives that foster the holistic development of children. These exhibits offered a window into the impactful teaching strategies employed within the centers.
The afternoon segment transitioned into small group discussions to allow participants to connect with peers who worked with similar age groups, allowing participants to problem solve, network, and explore collaborations and opportunities for shared resources.
The day’s final act was reserved for campus and network child care center staff, granting center directors time for team building, debriefing, staff meetings, or self-care pursuits. As the day drew to a close, participants were encouraged to impart their thoughts through an online feedback survey, with their contributions set to influence future collaborations and events.
“This event provided connection, collaboration, and a shared celebration of early educators’ vital role in nurturing young minds,” says Cigdem Unal, the director of the Office of Child Care and Family Resources. “This event underscored the dedication of the School of Education faculty, teacher education students, and OCCFR to foster a dynamic, supportive community committed to early education excellence. The event was a resounding success, setting the stage for future gatherings and partnerships. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for their enthusiastic participation — we eagerly anticipate our next meeting. Stay engaged with us for more enriching opportunities like this in the future!”