The City of Madison is exploring a partnership with EmBe to operate the after-school and summer youth programs currently held at the Madison Community Center.
EmBe, a Sioux Falls-based nonprofit serving women and families, expanded into Madison earlier this year with the opening of the EmBe Education facility on West Center Street. The organization provides child care and preschool services for children from four weeks to five years old.
Since EmBe’s arrival, city officials have discussed the possibility of having the nonprofit take over the Community Center’s school-age care programs. The proposal has been reviewed over several meetings by the Community Center Advisory Committee, and was discussed during this past Monday’s City Commission meeting.
Some advantages noted during Monday’s meeting was that EmBe could offer families more flexible scheduling, expanded programming, an enhanced educational curriculum, and maintain a strong youth presence at the Community Center. However, committee members also identified potential drawbacks, including the city giving up operational control, including control of program costs for families.
Community Center Director Jamal Branco said the program has seen a dip in enrollment, and rates will likely increase in the future.
If the partnership moves forward, city staff are recommending a facility use fee to help cover maintenance costs associated with increased use of the Community Center. City officials say the approach would also encourage families to become Community Center members.
The proposal was for discussion only, and no action is expected until a future City Commission meeting.
