The Best Daycare Centers in Brokaw, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brokaw. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brokaw
Primrose School of Wausau
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wausau offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development. The school features purpose-built classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. Highly qualified teachers implement research-based curriculum across all age groups, with emphasis on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with low teacher-child ratios, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through the Primrose Schools app.
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The Learning Garden - Wausau
The Learning Garden
The Learning Garden provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The center features age-appropriate learning environments, secure facilities with coded entry systems, and large outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards with individualized learning plans. The center emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, nature exploration, and social skill development. Additional features include healthy meal programs, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Wausau Child Care
Wausau Child Care Center
Wausau Child Care offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a curriculum focused on developmental milestones and school readiness. The center provides secure, nurturing environments with low child-to-teacher ratios and experienced staff holding early childhood credentials. Features include structured learning centers, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms for school-age children. The program emphasizes literacy development, math concepts, and social skills through hands-on activities and project-based learning. The center maintains strong safety protocols, including secure entry systems and regular health screenings, while providing flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brokaw, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Brokaw, WI, and how can I verify a provider is licensed?
In Brokaw, Wisconsin, all childcare providers caring for four or more children under age 7 from more than one household must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family daycare homes and group centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, training (including CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention), and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the free, online "YoungStar" search tool on the Wisconsin DCF website, which also shows the provider's quality rating (1-5 stars). You can also call the North Central Region DCF office that oversees Marathon County for confirmation.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Brokaw area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited providers in the small community of Brokaw, waitlists for licensed daycare centers and highly-rated family homes can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting providers in Brokaw and nearby towns like Weston or Wausau, be prepared to provide your child's anticipated start date and pay any non-refundable waitlist fees. Staying in regular, polite contact (e.g., a check-in every 3 months) can also be beneficial. Exploring options in the broader Marathon County region increases your chances.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Brokaw, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
For full-time childcare in Brokaw, parents can expect to pay an average of $700 to $900 per month for preschool-aged children, with infant care often costing $900-$1,100+ per month. These rates are generally slightly lower than in the larger city of Wausau but vary based on the provider's YoungStar rating and services offered. Financial assistance is available through Wisconsin's statewide "Wisconsin Shares" child care subsidy program for eligible families, based on income, work, or school requirements. You apply through the Marathon County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking.
Are there any daycare facilities in Brokaw that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in local industries?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, weekends) is a common challenge in Brokaw, given its proximity to 24-hour operations like the nearby mills and healthcare facilities in Wausau. While most standard daycare centers operate Monday-Friday from approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, options for extended hours are very limited. Your best bet is to inquire directly with licensed family childcare homes, as some individual providers may offer more flexible schedules to accommodate shift workers. You may also need to consider a nanny share arrangement with other local families or expand your search to specialized centers in Wausau that advertise extended hours.
What resources are available in Brokaw to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Brokaw and Marathon County is the **Childcaring Resource & Referral agency**, serving the North Central region. They maintain a current database of licensed providers, offer personalized referrals, and can guide you on what to look for during a visit. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Wisconsin YoungStar website** is essential for evaluating quality, as it publishes detailed reports and star ratings for all licensed programs. For local word-of-mouth recommendations, connecting with other parents through community hubs like the Brokaw Community Center or the Everest Metro Police Department's community programs can be invaluable.