City of Viroqua and VARC Partner to Bring New Childcare Center to the Community
- sphillips974
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 6
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Megan Tully
Director of Strategy, VARC
mtully@varcinc.com | 608.637.3934
Trina Erickson
City of Viroqua Public Information Officer
t.erickson@wrlsweb.org | 608.637.7151
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VIROQUA, WIS. — August 5, 2025 — The City of Viroqua and VARC are proud to announce a new partnership to bring expanded, high-quality childcare to the community through the development of Bumble & Bloom Early Learning Center, a licensed childcare center set to open this winter in Viroqua.
Bumble & Bloom will provide full-time care, Monday through Friday, for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Once fully operational, the center is expected to serve approximately 65 children and will offer a play-based curriculum grounded in early learning, emotional wellbeing, and school readiness.
“This partnership represents a significant step toward supporting working families in our region,” said Nate Torres, City Administrator for the City of Viroqua. “We’ve heard consistently that access to affordable, reliable childcare is a growing challenge—and we’re proud to be part of a solution that addresses that need head-on.”
The project builds on the growing demand for local childcare options and represents the second licensed center launched by VARC. With an experienced team of early childhood professionals, Bumble & Bloom will create developmentally appropriate learning environments designed to support every stage of early growth.
“Childcare isn’t just a service—it’s part of the foundation that allows communities to thrive,” said Megan Tully, Director of Strategy at VARC. “Through this collaboration, we’re investing in the well-being of families and creating a space where children can be confident, curious, and cared for from the very beginning. Expanding access to high-quality care also strengthens our local workforce by allowing parents and caregivers to participate more fully in employment—something we know is critical to both family stability and the success of local employers.”
The center will also offer new employment opportunities for early educators and support staff, further contributing to the local workforce and economy.
About VARC
Founded in 1975 by a small group of parents and educators in Viroqua, Wisconsin, VARC is a not-for-profit organization that has grown to offer a comprehensive range of services for individuals with varying abilities. These services include licensed childcare, employment support, transportation, recovery-informed services, child and youth programs, and other customized offerings. Today, VARC supports more than 850 individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin, operating out of 13 locations. The organization serves communities throughout Vernon, Richland, Sauk, Juneau, Columbia, Adams, La Crosse, Racine, and Walworth Counties, as well as neighboring areas.
VARC is committed to empowering individuals with varying abilities by promoting active community participation, fostering independence, and offering diverse, meaningful experiences—all grounded in the core value of individual choice. Learn more at varcinc.com.
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