A child's foundation to learn, a family's opportunity to succeed | | |
At Reach Dane, we are proud to partner with children and families during the most important years of early development. Through education, family support, and community partnerships, our work focuses on building strong foundations for lifelong success.
This season, we are excited to share updates that highlight how our programs continue to grow, adapt, and respond to the needs of our community. From hands-on learning to expanded partnerships and better learning environments, each story shows our commitment to giving every child the chance to thrive.
|
|
A Note from Our Executive Director
Dear Reach Dane Community,
I am thrilled to share some important updates and celebrate some very exciting news for Reach Dane and Head Start programs across the country.
A federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction blocking the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ban and preventing widespread staffing changes within the Office of Head Start. This ruling ensures that programs like ours can continue providing essential services related to disabilities, mental health, cultural support, and prenatal care. It reinforces what Head Start has always stood for: equity, access, and opportunity for every child and family.
I also want to share updates about a new statewide initiative called Get Kids Ready, which will expand access to early learning for children across Wisconsin. Reach Dane has applied to participate in our Sun Prairie and Stoughton locations. While this change means our 4K collaboration with the Sun Prairie School District will not continue next program year, we remain committed to strong partnerships with the district, especially in supporting children with IEPs and ensuring smooth transitions for families.
I recognize that recent developments have been emotionally heavy for many in our community. During times like these, it is more important than ever to lean into care, compassion, and connection—both for ourselves and for each other.
I am deeply grateful for our staff, families, and partners, and for the unwavering dedication, resilience, and heart that make Reach Dane such a special place for children to grow and thrive.
With gratitude,
Jen Bailey
Executive Director, Reach Dane
| | | |
Introducing Tilly's Farm!
We are excited to share how Reach Dane successfully utilized a one-time award from the Office of Head Start to strengthen our food program operations.
Across multiple sites, we purchased new delivery vans, commercial dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, and our kitchens received essential supplies like pots, pans, and tools that staff use every day. We also invested in resources to support breastfeeding education and nutrition for families.
In addition to site upgrades, we have also launched a hands-on Garden Project.
In partnership with Tilly's Farm, children and families now have the opportunity to have a voice in growing food, learning where their meals come from, and harvesting the produce they helped nurture. Tilly's Farm also houses 42 egg-laying hens, who provide weekly fresh eggs to enrolled families at our Red Arrow site.
We are so proud of what this funding accomplished and deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen so efficiently.
| |
Thank you, Bus Drivers!
We recently celebrated our bus drivers to recognize their essential role in supporting children and families.
In addition, transportation staff participated in a team-wide scavenger hunt designed to build connection, collaboration, and joy across our organization.
Moments like these reflect our belief that strong teams create strong outcomes for children.
| |  |
Read Your Heart Out!
Our Sun Prairie site recently hosted their fifth annual Read Your Heart Out event.
At the event, children, staff, and caregivers explored books together, participated in interactive activities, and took home resources to support reading at home.
Early literacy is a key predictor of school success, and events like this help make reading both accessible and enjoyable for families.
| | |
Wellness in Action: Fun Challenges for Our Team
Supporting the well-being of our staff is essential to ensuring that children and families receive the highest quality care and education.
This year, we are thrilled to share that Epic’s employee-directed contribution is helping Reach Dane expand our wellness efforts in meaningful ways. Epic’s support allows us to move forward with initiatives that prioritize staff wellness, knowing that investing in the care of our team directly benefits the children and families they serve.
With this year’s contribution, Reach Dane will offer a full staff wellness day, wellness raffles, three paid wellness challenges, updates to our Red Arrow wellness lounge, and new financial support for wellness-related classes. These opportunities help staff feel seen, valued, and supported as they navigate the emotionally demanding work of early childhood education.
| |
HR Policy Updates: Prioritizing Staff and Family Needs
Supporting our staff is essential to supporting children and families.
We recently introduced a new Compassionate Leave Policy that expands the ways employees can take time off during difficult life moments.
This updated policy recognizes that families and relationships look different for everyone and that grief and caregiving needs can extend beyond traditional definitions.
Key updates include a broader definition of “loved one,” allowing staff to take leave for meaningful relationships such as chosen family, close friends, and pets; coverage for both loss and serious illness; additional supplemental leave for newer employees; and flexible use of time off when it’s needed most.
We extend sincere thanks to our HR team and HR Policy Committee for their commitment to supporting our staff and advancing Reach Dane’s mission.
| |
Stoughton Renovation
Reach Dane recently completed a classroom renovation at our Stoughton site, improving both the functionality and feel of the space.
By opening up the room and redesigning key areas, the updated classroom allows for better visibility, smoother transitions, and more engaging learning environments for children.
This classroom is home to our Monarchs Therapeutic Preschool model, an extended-day program designed for children who meet Head Start eligibility requirements and may have experienced trauma, significant stress, or other challenges that impact development.
The Monarchs program focuses on creating a nurturing, supportive environment where children can build social-emotional skills, develop relationships, and strengthen their confidence. With lower staff-to-child ratios and a strong emphasis on emotional well-being, children receive individualized support to help them succeed.
The renovated space enhances this work by providing a calm, welcoming environment that supports both learning and healing.
| | |
We're Hiring Awesome People!
Reach Dane is hiring! Join our dedicated team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. We offer a variety of rewarding career opportunities with competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.
Visit our website to learn more and apply today!
| | |
| How did you like this email? | | | | | | |
