The Playing Field, an early child care center that specializes in trauma-informed care, high-quality education, and family support for all socioeconomic backgrounds, has raised over $4,034,000 to expand programs and services for up to 100 children on Madison’s east side, according to a recent press release.
The funds will be used to build and furnish 15,000 square feet at the Tributary Hub, a former Menards store on East Springs Drive that is owned by the Plumbers Union Local 75 and used as an apprenticeship training facility. The Playing Field’s new school inside the Tributary is positioned as a resource both for Plumbers Union members and for low- or no-income parents who might pursue a career in plumbing.
Lead donors to the project include the Pleasant Rowland Foundation, American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, Roots & Wings Foundation, Otto Bremer Trust, PRL Keystone Foundation, Caritas Foundation, and Lau and Bea Christensen. A public groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 9 a.m.
The new space inside the Tributary will include observation areas and access to an auditorium, where educators from around the country will be able to learn about trauma-sensitive practices and a model for equity in early education.
The expansion at the Tributary includes a partnership with The Road Home Dane County, in addition to the Plumbers Union, that will support families in a coordinated effort with child care, job-training opportunities, and affordable housing resources. The United Way of Dane County, the city of Madison, and the Madison Community Foundation are also supporting The Playing Field’s program.
Construction will begin this spring with a goal to open the new center in January 2025. The Playing Field has selected CG Schmidt as the contractor for the project.
