Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Madison, WI
Red Caboose Childcare has been a cornerstone of the Madison community since 1972, dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education and care. As the oldest independent childcare center in Madison and the first to meet the city's rigorous accreditation standards, we prioritize diversity, inclusion, and social-emotional development. Our programsincluding preschool, after-school care, and summer campare designed to nurture children's cognitive, physical, and emotional growth through play-based learning. With a sliding-scale tuition model, we ensure accessibility for families of all socioeconomic backgrounds.Our experienced staff, some with decades of service, fosters a nurturing environment where children thrive. Nutritious meals and snacks are prepared in-house, and our low staff turnover ensures consistency for families. We partner with local schools and organizations to extend our impact, offering field trips, community-building activities, and specialized support for children with special needs. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted resource for generations of families in Madison.
Services
Child Care Center
After School Program
Camp Caboose
Preschool Program
School Age Care
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have served Madison families for over 50 years with sliding-scale tuition.
- Our staff includes educators with up to 40 years of experience in early childhood education.
- We prepare all meals in-house with a focus on nutrition and dietary diversity.
- Our programs emphasize play-based learning and social-emotional development.
- We maintain a 1:10 teacher-to-child ratio in after-school programs for personalized attention.
What people say
Loving daycare
Teachers I miss
Caring services
Special place
Nurtured at Red Caboose
Services
Child Care Center
Our preschool program fosters early childhood development through play-based learning. Children engage in teacher-directed and child-initiated activities that build social, emotional, and cognitive skills. We emphasize diversity, inclusion, and self-confidence while accommodating children aged 18 months to 5 years. Nutritious meals and snacks are prepared daily, and our curriculum aligns with state early learning standards.
After School Program
This program supports children aged 5-12 with structured activities including homework help, arts and crafts, science projects, and outdoor play. We maintain a 1:10 teacher-to-child ratio to ensure personalized attention. Field trips and cooperative games promote social development, while daily snacks emphasize nutrition and wellness.
Camp Caboose
Our summer day camp serves children entering grades 1-6 with themed activities focused on community building, leadership, and outdoor exploration. Weekly field trips, swimming excursions, and creative projects encourage social-emotional growth. The program operates 7:30 AM-5:45 PM daily, with meals and snacks included.
Play-Based Learning
Our educational approach prioritizes hands-on discovery and child-led exploration. Teachers create environments that balance structured lessons with unstructured play, fostering problem-solving skills and creativity. This method supports language development, emotional regulation, and peer collaboration through age-appropriate activities and materials.
Special Needs Support
We provide individualized support for children with special needs through tailored care plans developed in collaboration with families. Our staff receives specialized training to accommodate diverse learning styles and physical requirements. Modifications to activities and environments ensure all children participate fully in our programs.
People
Lisa Fiala
Executive Director
With nearly 18 years at Red Caboose, Lisa has held roles from School Age Program Director to Executive Director. She champions high-quality, inclusive childcare and oversees strategic operations while maintaining community partnerships.
Lindsey Osburn
Preschool Program Director
A dedicated early childhood educator with over a decade of experience, Lindsey holds credentials in leadership and program administration. She specializes in family engagement and has spent 10 years at a single center prior to joining Red Caboose.
Robby Schiller
School Age Program Director
With 20+ years working with youth, Robby brings expertise in creating fun, developmentally appropriate programs. A Red Caboose parent himself, he emphasizes joyful learning experiences across kindergarten through high school settings.
KC Gilbertson
Staff Liaison to the Board
A seasoned childcare professional with over 15 years at Red Caboose, KC has served as Site Supervisor and Camp Director. They coordinate staff training and ensure program quality while bridging staff and board communications.
Cheryl Heiman
Staff Liaison to the Board
Teaching at Red Caboose since 1974, Cheryl has been the Turtle Room Lead Teacher for most of her career. Her long-term commitment reflects the organization's low staff turnover and dedication to experienced care.
Questions
What age groups does Red Caboose serve?
We serve children aged 18 months to 12 years through our preschool, after-school, and summer camp programs.
Does Red Caboose accommodate children with special needs?
Yes, we create individualized care plans in collaboration with families and provide staff training to support diverse needs.
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
Our after-school program maintains a 1:10 ratio, with lower ratios in preschool classrooms.
Are meals included in the tuition?
Yes, we provide nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily, including vegetarian options.
How does Red Caboose handle potty training?
Our staff works collaboratively with families on toilet learning, providing support and consistency during the process.
Can parents schedule tours of the facility?
Yes, we encourage prospective families to schedule tours to meet teachers and experience our environment.
