As more and more people receive vaccines and we move beyond the pandemic we will be evaluating our procedures and easing restrictions in a phased approach as conditions allow.  We know many of you have questions, especially regarding when we will return to our regular hours at the Center and when parents will be able to enter the building again.  Please know that we are planning for those steps with the health and safety of everyone in mind and we will keep you informed as changes are made.

Established in 1972, Red Caboose is one of the oldest independent child care centers in Madison, and the first center to meet the city’s rigorous child care accreditation standards.  We are gearing up to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2022.   Watch for history highlights and special announcements in the coming months.

Results from the largest research study of camper outcomes ever conducted in the United States confirmed that camps build skills necessary to prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. Parents, campers, and camp staff independently reported growth in areas such as self-confidence, independence, making friends, exploring and learning new activities. Indeed, camp provides growth experiences for youth that can benefit them through adulthood.  Summer camp offers an unmatched opportunity to foster community and social-emotional development.  This summer we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Camp Caboose!  Registration for summer 2021 camp programs begins March 1.  LEARN MORE

The Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 52 Affiliates. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child® is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child® in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation forMore…

We are excited to report that our Red Caboose Teachers and staff are receiving COVID-19 vaccines!  Teachers and child care staff became eligible beginning March 1 and our staff have been scheduling appointments and receiving vaccines since then.  We want to express our appreciation to our staff for working with our children and families throughout this challenging and unprecedented year.  We are thankful for all of the staff at the vaccination sites and to public health for making these vaccinations a reality for our teachers.

Please consider supporting our Press PLAY for Kids GoFundMe campaign to support our new playground fund at Red Caboose. You can support our efforts with a donation and, just as importantly, by sharing this campaign with your social media and email contacts. The success of a “crowdfunding” effort like this relies on getting the word out to as many people as possible. Thanks!

As the holiday season approaches and due to the increase of COVID-19 within our community, state, and country, it is imperative that we all work to protect ourselves and one another and engage in the best possible practices to support reduced transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you decide to travel to be with loved ones during the holidays, make sure you are doing everything you can to keep yourself and them safe. There areMore…

More than thirty Red Caboose supporters have already given in response to this year’s annual campaign! Scholarships: Red Caboose has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships. Our sliding-scale tuition remains unique in Madison, allowing more families to access affordable childcare.  Your support is needed to continue this level of support for Madison families. Stability in uncertain times: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted organizations across the country and around the world.  Red Caboose is no exception.  Your support is needed, now more than ever, to provide much needed stability during these uncertain financial times. A new home and a promising futureMore…

Our very own Nutrition Coordinator, Chef Barbara Wright, is preparing fresh granola daily in the Red Caboose kitchen! 14 ounce bags are $10 each and sales support our Annual Campaign. Choose from four delicious flavors: Apple Pie, Gingerbread, Golden Raisin and Cranberry Maple. Purchase and pick up at 654 Willy St.  Order forms available at Lapham for our School Age Program families. Sale ends 12/23.

We are working in partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District to provide full school day programs for school age children at Lapham Elementary (1045 E. Dayton) beginning September 8. This program is designed to meet the evolving needs of students and parents during this unprecedented time. We are excited to continue supporting families by offering full school day care that includes academic support for virtual learning, fun enrichment activities, and social emotional learning. Learn More and Enroll