Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center

Latino Family Resource Center

Weekdays 9:00-5:00


Stop in the Latino Family Resource Center where you will find information and pamphlets in Spanish regarding local happenings in the Latino community, family health, parenting, education, the law, worker's rights, housing issues, English classes, and job skills training.

"There are 26,300 children under the age of 5 in Dane County… of which 33% do not have the skills necessary to enter and succeed in Kindergarten." (Cuentame: Latino Life in Dane County Report, 2006)

In the summer of 2007, Los Niños Primero (Children First) was established to help more children in the South Madison area get ready for Kindergarten. Los Niños Primero is a preschool program for Spanish-speaking families with children ages 3-5. The program—funded by United Way and in partnership with the Madison School District—provides researched-based early childhood education and family support.

Los Niños Primero is located at the Bridge Lakepoint Waunona Neighborhood Center in South Madison. Classes are held year-round, three days a week for three hours each day and include a variety of activities that support child development and school readiness. Children play, sing, do arts and crafts, are read to, practice writing and math and participate in field trips throughout the community.

The program focus is on:

• school readiness (early literacy and early math)
• second language acquisition
• cultural appreciation
• caregiver education & involvement

• knowledge of child development
• understanding of their role as a child's first and best teacher
• increased interest in their child's education
• understanding of American kindergarten programs
• familiarity with community resources
  (Public Libraries, Health Services, Head Start, other family resources, etc.)