WTCS, Madison College honor Reach Dane with Futuremaker Award

Reach Dane, which provides high-quality early childhood services to more than 1,000 underserved children in Dane County, has received the Wisconsin Technical College System's 2021 Futuremaker Partner Award. 

“The importance of available, affordable, quality childcare – always an important issue – emerged as a key workforce issue during the pandemic,” said WTCS Board President Dr. Rodney Pasch. “It’s also a key issue for our students. This is a very timely recognition of the fantastic partnership between Madison College and Reach Dane.”

Madison College and Reach Dane have worked together since 2015 to support Head Start teachers with their Infant Toddler and Preschool credentials in both bilingual and English formats. 

"Reach Dane has been an important voice in shaping our program by advocating for bilingual programming and flexible delivery modes that meet the needs of working students and the community," said Dr. Jack Daniels, president of Madison College.

Reach Dane is the only agency in Dane County offering Early Head Start and Head Start programming, which provides a comprehensive system of support for families including physical and mental health, dental services, nutrition and transportation. In 2020, Reach Dane served more homeless children than any other Head Start program in Wisconsin.

"Thanks to our collaboration with Madison College, 40 Reach Dane staff and parents have been able to participate in course work that builds future leaders in the field of education, providing our most vulnerable children the highest quality education and supportive services," said Executive Director Jen Bailey. "We truly appreciate and enjoy what this partnership has meant for all of us and look forward to the many ways we can continue on this important endeavor."

The Futuremaker Partner Award is presented four times a year by the WTCS Board to recognize the unique, long-standing connections between the state’s employers and local technical colleges.

PHOTO INFORMATION 
(L-R) WTCS Board Chair Dr. Rodney Pasch, WTCS System President Dr. Morna Foy, Reach Dane Programming Director Luann Williams, Reach Dane Executive Director Jen Bailey, Madison College Interim Human and Protective Services Dean Jessica Cioci and Madison College President Dr. Jack E. Daniels.