The Best Daycare Centers in Big Falls, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Big Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Big Falls
Little Bears Daycare
Independent Family Childcare
Little Bears Daycare is a highly-regarded family childcare provider serving the Big Falls community with personalized, home-based care. The facility offers a play-based learning approach with structured educational activities tailored to each child's developmental stage. With low teacher-to-child ratios and over a decade of experience, they provide individualized attention and maintain strong parent communication. The program includes outdoor play in a secure backyard environment, age-appropriate learning materials, and nutritional meal planning. Known for their warm, nurturing environment and consistent care routines that help children feel secure and supported.
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Growing Years Child Care Center
Independent Childcare Center
Located in nearby Waupaca (approximately 15 miles from Big Falls), Growing Years Child Care Center serves families throughout Waupaca County with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center features a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, incorporating literacy, math readiness, and STEM activities. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized learning plans with regular progress updates. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Emphasis on safety protocols, nutritional meal programs, and creating an inclusive, diverse learning community.
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Imagination Station Childcare & Preschool
Regional Childcare Provider
Imagination Station serves families throughout Waupaca County including Big Falls residents, offering a comprehensive educational childcare program. The center utilizes a research-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, creative expression, and social development. Qualified early childhood teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios. The facility features modern security systems, nutritious meal programs, and well-equipped learning centers for different age groups. Strong focus on school readiness skills, character development, and building foundational literacy and numeracy through engaging, play-based activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Big Falls, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Big Falls, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Big Falls and throughout Wisconsin, daycare providers must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) if they care for four or more children under the age of seven from more than one family. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training (including CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention), and facility safety. You can verify the license status, view any past violations, and see the licensed capacity of any provider by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the DCF website or by contacting the Northern Regional DCF office that oversees our area. Always ask to see a current license during your tour.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and in-home providers in Big Falls, and when should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Big Falls, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care slots. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy. For popular centers or highly-regarded licensed family providers, waitlists can be even longer. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple lists, and follow up every few months to confirm your spot is still active.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Big Falls, WI?
While costs are generally lower than in major Wisconsin cities like Milwaukee or Madison, full-time childcare in Big Falls typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week for a toddler, and $200 to $300 per week for an infant. Licensed family daycare homes may be on the lower end of this range, while center-based care tends to be higher. These are estimates; always confirm specific rates with providers. Be sure to ask what is included in the weekly fee (meals, snacks, supplies) and inquire about potential financial assistance through Wisconsin Shares, the state's childcare subsidy program.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Big Falls that cater to agricultural families or non-standard work hours?
Given Big Falls' location in a largely agricultural region, some licensed family daycare providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate farm families during planting and harvest seasons, though this is not universal and must be arranged individually. There are currently no dedicated 24-hour centers in the immediate area. Your best bet is to network with other local families and inquire directly with providers about potential flexibility or "drop-in" care options. Some providers may also participate in the state's "YoungStar" quality rating system, which can help you identify high-quality care that might better accommodate specific needs.
What resources are available in Big Falls to help me find and evaluate local daycare options?
The primary resource is the official **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** website and database. Additionally, you can contact the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Waupaca County (which includes Big Falls); they offer free referrals and can provide guidance on what to look for during a visit. Locally, the **Big Falls Community Center** or **Waupaca County Health and Human Services Department** may have bulletin boards or community lists. Don't underestimate the power of local networks: ask for recommendations from your pediatrician's office, local churches, and community Facebook groups specific to the area. Always schedule in-person tours to evaluate the environment firsthand.