Removing language barriers, building career pathways

For Spanish-speaking Madison College students pursuing careers in early childhood education, language is no longer a barrier to opportunity.

In fall 2025, Madison College launched a one-year Child Care Services Technical Diploma taught entirely in Spanish. The program also includes Spanish-language certificate and diploma options in early childhood education—expanding access to credentials and opening pathways into a high-demand workforce.

For Madison College alumna Eisy Munoz Zarate, now a business owner with two child care centers and more than 30 employees, the initiative represents meaningful change.

“I truly believe this is a unique moment where Madison College can lead by creating more opportunities for Spanish-speaking educators,” Zarate said. “This effort improves retention and empowers dedicated professionals like myself to achieve our educational goals.”

Female student at desk, smiling and reading a book. — Eliminating academic gaps is a cornerstone of Madison College’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan. College leaders are using student data to identify barriers to success and redesign learning experiences, particularly in courses critical to persistence and completion.

Using data to drive change

Eliminating academic gaps is a cornerstone of Madison College’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan. College leaders are using student data to identify barriers to success and redesign learning experiences, particularly in courses critical to persistence and completion.

Over the past 15 years, Madison College’s Hispanic student population has grown to more than 18%, positioning the college as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). As the Hispanic population continues to grow across Dane County and surrounding rural areas, Madison College is strengthening partnerships with community organizations, schools, employers, and healthcare providers to meet evolving workforce needs.

Analysis of student outcomes revealed that Spanish-speaking students, along with other groups, including part-time learners and students age 40 and older, were completing fewer of the credits they attempted, increasing time to completion and overall cost.

Change course, meet needs

By adapting courses and curricula, Madison College created more equitable opportunities for Spanish-speaking students to demonstrate their skills and complete degrees and certificates.

With support from a Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG), students gained access to education that advances their careers while strengthening the region’s pipeline of high-quality early childhood professionals. Demand for the Spanish-language program has been strong, with some classes already full and waitlists forming.

“These changes reflect our commitment to making early childhood education more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to our community,” said Tina Ahedo, vice president of Student Success Pathways.

Through these initiatives, Madison College continues to remove barriers, close gaps, and help more students stay on track to complete their goals.

Students with blue cap and gowns at commencement. — By adapting courses and curricula, Madison College created more equitable opportunities for Spanish-speaking students to demonstrate their skills and complete degrees and certificates.