Meet Grace: A Madison Mom Ready for EmBe Education to Open Its Doors
For Grace Martin, a mom of two energetic boys, the opening of EmBe Education–Madison isn’t just another childcare option—it’s the community connection her family has been waiting for.
“We’ve been hoping for a center to open in Madison since we moved back up here three years ago,” she shared. Until now, her family has been making the daily drive to Sioux Falls for childcare because of limited local options.
Grace and her husband, James, live outside of Madison with their two boys, Rowan (4.5yo) and Ryker (1.5yo) and their Standard Poodle, Gibson.
“We currently drive our boys to Sioux Falls every day because there haven’t been many options for childcare in the Madison community. The friendliness and shared excitement of this new center stood out to me during my initial chat with the EmBe team. They have all been nothing short of helpful when it comes to answering all of my questions!”
That first conversation sealed it. EmBe wasn’t just opening a building—it was building a community, and Grace knew her family wanted to be part of it.
More Time Back. More Community Ahead.
For the first time in years, Grace can picture her family’s daily routine without hours spent on the road. EmBe Education – Madison will give her family an extra 90 minutes every day, time she can reclaim for dinners at home, evening playtime, and local activities.
“We’ll save so much travel time and money on gas. And we’ll get to participate more in our own community,” she says.
When asked what makes her mom’s heart happiest, thinking about EmBe opening in Madison, Grace said, “We’re very excited for our boys (and us!) to become friends with more local families that they will be growing up alongside and participating in activities with. Both of our kids are quite outgoing and love meeting new people and trying new things, so we’re looking forward to doing all of that in the community we live in!”
A Place Built for Madison Families
Grace has had wonderful experiences at previous childcare centers, but she’s especially excited for what EmBe is bringing to Madison.
“A brand-new building designed specifically for a childcare center? That’s huge,” she explains. Coming from a center that shares space with a bank and a doctor’s office, the idea of a space fully dedicated to children’s learning and growth feels refreshing. Add in the small-town community feel, and it’s everything her family hoped for.
Even more, she sees the structure, curriculum, and passionate educators as key to preparing her boys for kindergarten—and for life.
“I think having your kids be a part of a structured learning environment from an early age is so great. They get to be surrounded by other children their own age to play and learn from each other, and also get to learn from teachers who are excited to be there. There is nothing better than seeing all of the things your child has learned at childcare over the years come together. Between their communication skills, learning to play and share with others, and the age-appropriate education and life skills they get at a center like EmBe, they will be prepared to take on Kindergarten when it’s time!“
Why EmBe Education-Madison
Grace knows that choosing childcare is one of the hardest decisions a parent can make. But she wants other families to feel the same confidence and excitement her family now feels.
“It makes the decision so much easier knowing your kids will be spending time with people who care for them like family,” she says. “Having EmBe in the Madison area is such a breath of fresh air.”
For her, the opening of EmBe means peace of mind—her boys nearby, learning and thriving with staff who truly love what they do.
And for Madison as a whole? It means long-awaited access to high-quality childcare.
“I have heard nothing but positive things about EmBe Education when we were in Sioux Falls from friends and family who have taken their kids there over the years, so I’m excited they decided to expand North to Madison! I think the Madison area has been in need of more access to childcare (especially a center), so our family is excited to see EmBe take off and fly! We have been hopeful since we moved up here that a center would open, and are so glad that it is finally a reality this spring!”
Join Grace and Other Founding Families
Grace’s message to other Madison parents is simple:
Just call. Ask questions. Take a tour (Founding families tours happening in Jan 2026).
See how EmBe can work for your family.
Families are already enrolling, connecting, and getting excited—and EmBe is ready to welcome more.
If you’re even thinking about childcare or preschool options for your little one, now is the time to explore what EmBe Education–Madison can offer.
A new community of learning, support, and friendship is growing in Madison. And, like Grace’s family, yours can be part of the very beginning.
For all information about EmBe Education – Madison, head to embe.org/embe-education-madison. For more information about EmBe’s programming and enrollment options, if cost is a barrier, please contact Kelly Ballew, Executive Director of Childcare and School Age Care at 605-336-3660 or Sadie Mudder, Senior Customer Service and Billing Representative at smudder@embe.org or 605-299-2511.