Waisman expands early childhood program

For the first time in more than two decades, the Waisman Early Childhood Program will hold open enrollment for new and expanded early education classes this fall.

The Waisman Early Childhood Program, a model school located at the Waisman Center, has doubled student capacity and will offer new options for families. The expansion results from increased demand, says program director Joan Ershler.

For more information For a program brochure and information about tuition, call 263-5760.

“Since the WECP was established in 1979, we have operated at full capacity and have had to turn away families,” Ershler says. “In the fall, we will be able to provide more opportunities for early development and learning to families associated with the university and from throughout the Madison area.”

The school provides comprehensive programming, teacher experience, university association and unique physical space that includes a gymnasium and 1.5-acre outdoor learning garden, according to Ershler.

But its long-standing mission is at the core of its enduring high quality and reputation. “The Waisman Early Childhood Program was established as an inclusive laboratory school,” says Ershler, “which would integrate children who have disabilities with typically developing children in all activities. The idea was to create a fully accessible setting that worked for every child, while at the same time providing training experiences for UW undergraduate and graduate students, as well as research opportunities for Waisman and other UW–Madison faculty interested in early childhood development.”

When WECP opens its doors this fall, families will have many choices for their children from birth through first grade. The program will expand its parent-infant/toddler program and preschool classrooms for children ages 2-5.

In addition, it will offer these new options:

• An infant program for 12- to 18-month-olds will provide a stimulating play environment in a small, family-like grouping.
• Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten for children ages 5-7 will promote social, emotional, cognitive, language and motor development skills, as well as skill-building academic opportunities.
• An after-school session for children in kindergarten and first grade will encourage children to direct their own play or participate in an in-depth enrichment unit, such as creating a book, woodworking or introduction to a foreign language.
• Three vacation “camps” for 6- to 8-year-olds corresponding to Madison Public Schools breaks will offer enrichment themes that draw upon the many skills children are acquiring in their school settings and at home.