Campus Connection

Campus Child Center marks 40 years of early childhood education

For nearly four decades, the Campus Child Center at UW-La Crosse has been a cornerstone of support for student parents, university employees and the greater La Crosse community.  

As the center prepares to mark its 40th year on campus in 2025, center staff members are reflecting on its legacy in the community, and how it will continue to serve children and families in the years ahead. 

“Students who are parents are the reason this center was founded,” shares Ashley Franzo, Campus Child Center director. “Today, we continue to prioritize quality and convenience for our UWL community.”

The center provides state-licensed, high-quality early care and education meeting the diverse needs of UWL families while adapting to the evolving landscape of early childhood education. Its location on campus also makes it a hub for hands-on learning opportunities.  

“We hire roughly 60 student staff each semester,” Franzo explains. “While there are requirements to qualify as an assistant teacher, students from many different majors choose to work with us.”  

In addition to employing students, the center serves as a valuable field site for student teachers from UWL and Western Technical College. It also facilitates observation and research opportunities across numerous academic disciplines. 

“This semester alone, I’ve coordinated close to 600 hours of visitor engagement,” Franzo notes, underscoring the center’s role in fostering experiential learning for future educators and child development specialists. 

The Campus Child Center’s reputation for excellence is bolstered by its accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a distinction it has held since 1994. This accreditation reflects the center’s commitment to the highest standards in early education, earning it a five-star rating from Wisconsin’s YoungStar program. 

The Campus Child Center strives to create an outstanding experience for children and families, but the center has an equally beneficial impact on the staff who provide care, day after day. 

“No day at the Child Center looks the same,” says Jodi Strong, an early child education teacher. “The children are constantly discovering new interests and ways to learn, often in ways that I hadn't thought of myself! Their learning and my teaching is always heading in a new direction, and it's so exciting to revisit ideas and questions through their eyes.” 

Looking ahead, the Campus Child Center is planning to install a new playground designed to enhance outdoor learning and play. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2025, adding another layer of enrichment for young learners.  

These and other initiatives help ensure the Campus Child Center remains a high-quality option for children and families, which is critical at a time of childcare shortages locally and nationwide. 

As the center marks its 40th anniversary, it stands as a vital resource for UWL’s youngest learners and a training ground for future educators. Its dedication to excellence ensures it will continue to support children, families and the community for years to come.