The Best Daycare Centers in Baraboo, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Baraboo. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Baraboo
Baraboo Children's Center
Independent Non-Profit
Baraboo Children's Center is a highly-regarded non-profit facility offering comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. The center features state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities in a nurturing environment. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and expansive outdoor play areas with natural elements. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized child development. The center participates in Wisconsin's YoungStar quality rating system and offers nutritious meals and snacks.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Wisconsin Dells
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Baraboo area with a nationally-recognized curriculum that includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics, and science exploration. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and certified early childhood educators. Their approach balances structured learning with creative play, incorporating music, art, and physical activity. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents highlight the consistent staff, excellent communication through daily reports, and strong preparation for kindergarten. The center maintains 4-star YoungStar ratings and offers flexible scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
Children's House Montessori School
Independent Montessori School
Children's House Montessori School provides authentic Montessori education serving families throughout Sauk County, including Baraboo. The school features AMI-certified Montessori guides and carefully prepared environments with specialized Montessori materials. Their child-directed approach fosters independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation through practical life activities, sensorial materials, language development, and mathematics. The facility includes beautiful natural light classrooms, peaceful outdoor learning spaces, and gardens where children participate in hands-on learning. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, individualized attention, and exceptional academic preparation. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes community values and respect for each child's unique developmental timeline.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Baraboo, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Baraboo, WI?
In Baraboo and the surrounding Sauk County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. As of recent data, licensed group child care centers typically charge between $225 to $300 per week for an infant. For toddlers, the weekly cost often ranges from $200 to $275. Licensed family daycare homes may be slightly less expensive, averaging $175 to $250 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average for Wisconsin, reflecting Baraboo's cost of living. It's important to note that many providers have a multi-child discount, and financial assistance is available through the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Sauk County Department of Human Services.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Baraboo, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded, licensed daycare centers in Baraboo can be substantial, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, how often it's updated, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and their policy for moving from the list to an enrolled family. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family providers in nearby towns like North Freedom or Lake Delton, as they may have shorter wait times while still adhering to Wisconsin's strict licensing standards.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Wisconsin, and how can I verify a Baraboo provider's license?
All childcare providers in Baraboo caring for four or more children must be licensed by the State of Wisconsin, Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), health and safety training, CPR certification, and regular facility inspections. You can and should verify any provider's license status, complaint history, and inspection reports through the official "YoungStar" website or the DCF's "Child Care Finder" tool. This public database is crucial for parents to ensure the provider is in good standing. You can also contact the DCF's South Central Regional Office, which oversees Sauk County, for additional verification.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Baraboo that cater to seasonal tourism workers or flexible schedules?
Yes, Baraboo's identity as the gateway to the Wisconsin Dells tourism region creates unique childcare needs. Some local providers offer more flexible or part-time arrangements to accommodate parents in the hospitality and service industries, who may work non-traditional or seasonal hours. It's essential to inquire directly with centers and family providers about their ability to accommodate shift work, weekend care, or drop-in options. Additionally, the Baraboo School District offers 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) programs, which are often half-day and may partner with local daycare centers to provide "wrap-around" care, effectively offering a full-day solution for preschool-aged children.
What resources are available in Baraboo to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource is **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) of South Central Wisconsin**. They serve Sauk County and offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and certified providers in Baraboo based on your specific needs (hours, location, budget). They can also explain the **YoungStar** quality rating system (where providers are rated 1 to 5 stars), which is a key tool for evaluation. Furthermore, the **Sauk County Department of Human Services** can provide information on subsidy programs. For hands-on research, many Baraboo parents use local Facebook groups (e.g., "Baraboo Area Chatter") to ask for personal recommendations and experiences with specific daycare providers, which can offer valuable, community-sourced insights.