Nov. 14, 2023

EmBe has announced a new partnership to enhance child care services in Madison.

The Sioux Falls nonprofit is partnering with Lake Area Improvement Corporation to operate a child care center expected to open in 2025.

“This is another critical step in the process of addressing the need for child care in our community,” LAIC executive director Brooke Rollag said in a statement. “EmBe brings a wealth of experience and expertise with a century-long legacy of caring for and educating children.”

LAIC has secured a location for the new child care center adjacent to a 6-acre park.

The 14,000-square-foot facility is being designed to accommodate up to 140 children.

Once built, the facility would be owned by LAIC but leased and operated by EmBe. Lake Area Improvement is a nonprofit economic development corporation dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Madison and Lake County. EmBe has provided child care and educational services for more than 100 years in Sioux Falls.

“We are thrilled to announce our expansion into the community of Madison,” said Kerri Tietgen, CEO of EmBe. “As we integrate into this new location, our commitment to providing top-notch child care services remains unwavering. The growth of Madison and Lake County presents an exciting opportunity for us to contribute to the well-being of children and families. We look forward to fostering strong connections and becoming an integral part of the Madison community, addressing the crucial need for exceptional child care support.”

Brandon Hanson, executive director of child care and school-age care, EmBe; Brooke Rollag, executive director, Lake Area Improvement Corporation; and Kerri Tietgen, CEO, EmBe.

The collaboration between LAIC and EmBe comes at a time when reliable child care options are essential for working parents, both organizations said, adding the partnership aims to fill a void that has long impacted families’ ability to balance work and family life.

“EmBe has already played an integral role in this process,” Rollag said. “While LAIC has always been happy to facilitate the process, it was always our intent to find an expert to run the facility. EmBe is the perfect fit, and we look forward to Madison and Lake County families having access to high-quality child care services, enabling them to work and thrive.”

EmBe was encouraged by the strong community support in Madison, Tietgen added.

“While the business of child care is challenging and the child care crisis is impacting families, communities and child care providers across the nation, this is exciting,” she said. “What makes this truly unique is the innovative solutions that come from the business community, LAIC, the Madison School District and EmBe working together for the benefit of the children and families.”