The Best Daycare Centers in Brookfield, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brookfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brookfield
Primrose School of Brookfield
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Brookfield is a nationally accredited early education center following the Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning. Staff includes degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training, maintaining low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parents praise the consistent communication, structured environment, and comprehensive developmental tracking system.
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The Goddard School of Brookfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Brookfield offers a play-based learning approach through the F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, emphasizing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, and age-specific outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes language development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness skills. The school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with daily cleanliness checks and provides real-time updates to parents through a proprietary mobile app.
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Children's Community Center
Children's Community Center
Children's Community Center is a family-owned childcare facility serving the Brookfield area with a focus on individualized developmental care. The center implements Creative Curriculum® with supplemental Montessori-inspired activities, emphasizing hands-on exploration and social development. Features include secured facilities with camera monitoring, nutritious meals prepared on-site, large outdoor nature-inspired playground, and dedicated art/music rooms. Staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios with many teachers holding bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. The center is recognized for its inclusive environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brookfield, WI
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Brookfield, WI?
In Brookfield, WI, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates are influenced by the type of provider; center-based programs are often at the higher end of this range, while licensed family/group daycare homes may offer more affordable options. Costs can also vary based on specific program features like curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., meals, enrichment activities). It's important to note that Wisconsin does not have statewide price controls, so parents should budget accordingly and inquire about any potential registration or annual fees.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and check its compliance history in Wisconsin?
All licensed daycare centers and family providers in Brookfield must be regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any violations or complaints, through the DCF's online "Child Care Finder" tool or by contacting the DCF's Bureau of Early Care Regulation directly. This public record will show the license type, capacity, and results of regular monitoring visits. We highly recommend checking this for any provider you are considering, as it provides transparency about health, safety, and regulatory standards specific to Wisconsin law.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Brookfield, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers in Brookfield, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. Some popular centers may have even longer waits. To manage this, we recommend contacting multiple centers, getting on several lists (note that some may charge a small waitlist fee), and following up periodically. Exploring licensed family daycare homes can also provide more immediate availability and a smaller, home-like setting.
What resources are available in Brookfield to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Brookfield families have access to Wisconsin's statewide childcare subsidy program, Wisconsin Shares, which is administered by the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. Additionally, the nonprofit organization "The Parenting Network," which serves the Greater Milwaukee area including Waukesha County, can provide guidance and referrals. Some local daycare centers may also offer limited sliding-scale slots or scholarships; it's always worth asking directly about financial assistance options.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family daycare home in Brookfield?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. **Daycare Centers** (like those in Brookfield's commercial areas) are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms divided by age, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They typically have set hours and may offer more enrichment programs. **Licensed Family Daycare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence in Brookfield neighborhoods, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 8, with specific ratios). This offers a more home-like, flexible environment and often has a lower child-to-adult ratio for individualized attention. Both are licensed by the state, but regulations for group size and physical environment differ. Your choice depends on your child's temperament and your preference for a structured institutional setting versus a familial one.