City of Viroqua and VARC partner to bring new childcare center to the Northpointe Development building

Aug. 5, 2025

VIROQUA, Wis. — The Northpointe housing development nearing completion in downtown Viroqua includes a space for a daycare center. City of Viroqua staff have been searching for a provider to fill that space and this week the city and the Vernon Area Rehab Center (VARC) are announced 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 wellbeing 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.

“This is a project built on partnership and shared vision,” said Liz Filter, President|CEO of VARC.  “Our thanks to the City of Viroqua for their collaboration in bringing this project to life.”

More information on enrollment, employment, and opening timelines will be available in the coming months. Interested families and prospective team members can follow updates at https://www.varcinc.com/