Making the Investment for Our Family: Why EmBe Education is Worth It for the Barber Family

Making the Investment for Our Family: Why EmBe Education is Worth It for the Barber Family

When it comes to childcare, most parents start in the same place: Is this really worth the cost?

For Anastasia and her husband, Zach, that question mattered even more. With three daughters enrolled at EmBe Education—Taytum (4), Halle (2), and Kaylor (9mo)—this wasn’t just a line item in their budget. It was a family-level investment.

What they’ve gained? Peace of mind, visible growth in their children, and a support system they didn’t know they’d need—but are now deeply grateful for.

“EmBe is truly more than a school to us. Because of this preschool, our girls learned, laughed, and found their first best friends. We are forever grateful for the amazing teachers that pour their heart into the curriculum, the care, and the memories made.” — Anastasia, EmBe Education Mom

The Hesitation: When Change Isn’t Planned—but Necessary

Like many families, the Barbers didn’t set out to find a new childcare center. Their previous provider closed unexpectedly, forcing them to make a quick—and stressful—decision.

Location mattered. Cost mattered. But trust mattered most.

They had heard positive things from people they already knew and trusted. After touring EmBe and meeting the team, Anastasia knew.

“I met Caitlin, and I just knew right then and there that this was the place.”

What Makes the Investment Worth It

For the Barber family, the value of EmBe goes far beyond curriculum or worksheets—though those matter too.

Their top priorities were simple, but non-negotiable:

• Safe, reliable care

• Teachers who genuinely love their children

• Consistency and communication

Knowing their girls are cared for by people who love them like family changed everything.

From daily updates through the Procare app to hands-on activities the girls proudly bring home, EmBe became an extension of their home—not just a drop-off point.

“The curriculum is a bonus—but knowing the teachers love our daughters, like we do, and that they are safe, is everything,” says Anastasia.

The Changes They’ve Seen in Their Kids

The growth has been unmistakable—and different for each child.

• Kaylor (9mo) made major strides with solids, cups, and developmental milestones of crawling to walking, with the support of her teachers.

• Halle (2) is confidently working through potty training and thriving alongside her peers.

• Taytum (4), enrolled in KinderCollege, comes home excited to show off handwriting, letters, and early math skills.

“She’s going to be more than ready for kindergarten next year.”

This isn’t just childcare—it’s preparation, confidence, and momentum.

View their video interview HERE

Reliable Care That Changes Everything

With full-day care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., EmBe has reshaped the Barber’s day-to-day life.

Both parents work demanding schedules, including early hospital shifts. Knowing they can count on consistent hours, stable staffing, and a center that isn’t going anywhere has removed an enormous mental load.

“It’s less of a stressor. We know this place is stable. The routines are solid. The teachers are consistent.”

That reliability mattered even more during a recent family health scare—when knowing their children were safe, supported, and experiencing normalcy allowed them to focus on what mattered most.

Looking Back: Is the Cost Still a Question?

Having three children in care isn’t easy financially—and they’re honest about that. But with experience comes clarity.

“You get what you pay for. They’re getting their money’s worth—especially the learning experience.”

The initial hesitation gave way to confidence. The cost became an investment they could see, feel, and trust every day.

For Parents Who Are Unsure: Their Advice

If another parent said, “I love EmBe, but I’m not sure I can afford it,” Anastasia’s answer is simple:

“Ask. There are scholarships available. Talk to the team. If it’s something you really want for your family, they’ll help guide you.”

And when asked directly if enrolling three children has been worth it?

“Yes. Absolutely.”

Anastasia’s family story reflects what so many EmBe families discover:
When childcare is done right, it doesn’t just support your workday—it shapes your children’s future.

And that’s what makes the cost worth it.

If you’re even thinking about childcare or preschool options for your little one, now is the time to explore what EmBe Education can offer.

A new community of learning, support, and friendship is growing in Madison. 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.