The Best Daycare Centers in Cleveland, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cleveland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cleveland
Cleveland Community Childcare Center
Cleveland Community Childcare Center
Cleveland Community Childcare Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving the Cleveland area with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center employs state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum focuses on play-based learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and strong communication between staff and families. The center serves children from 6 weeks through school age with flexible scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
Sheboygan KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Sheboygan KinderCare serves families throughout the Cleveland area with their research-based curriculum and experienced teaching staff. The center features the exclusive KinderCare Early Foundations curriculum, which focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure keypad entry, dedicated learning centers for each age group, and outdoor play areas designed for different developmental stages. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to individualized learning plans for each child.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Garden
The Learning Garden Child Development Center
The Learning Garden in nearby Sheboygan Falls serves Cleveland families with their comprehensive child development programs. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement a balanced curriculum combining structured learning with creative exploration. Their approach emphasizes hands-on activities, STEM education, and character development. The facility features secure access control, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and extensive outdoor learning environments. The center is known for its low staff turnover, experienced leadership team, and strong partnerships with local schools for smooth transitions to kindergarten. Parents consistently highlight the center's nurturing environment and excellent preparation for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cleveland, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Cleveland, WI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Cleveland and the surrounding Manitowoc County area, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. Preschool programs for children ages 3-5 may range from $150 to $220 per week. Costs can vary based on the provider's licensing (family vs. group center), specific location, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's statewide **Wisconsin Shares** child care subsidy program is available for eligible families based on income and work or education requirements. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Manitowoc County and the Manitowoc County Head Start program may offer resources or sliding scale options. It's recommended to contact providers directly for precise rates and to inquire about potential openings, as waitlists can be common.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Cleveland is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Wisconsin are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any violations, through the **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** website or by calling the DCF's licensing specialist for the Northeast Region. When researching a provider in Cleveland, look for their "YoungStar" rating—Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement system. A 5-Star rating is the highest. You can also contact the local **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency** for the region, which can help you understand a provider's record and quality indicators specific to the area.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a smaller community like Cleveland, WI?
Given Cleveland's smaller, rural community setting, the most common options are **licensed family childcare providers** operating out of their homes, which often offer a more intimate, home-like environment and may have more flexible hours. There are also several **licensed group childcare centers** located in nearby larger towns like Manitowoc (about a 15-minute drive), which parents in Cleveland often utilize. These centers may offer more structured preschool curricula. **Public school districts**, like the Howards Grove School District which serves parts of the area, may offer 4K (four-year-old kindergarten) programs, but these are typically part-day. In-home nannies or informal care with relatives are other options, though they are not regulated.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Cleveland, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community, waitlists are common, especially for infant care and at highly-rated centers or family providers. The best strategy is to **start your search early**, ideally 6-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their waitlists, even if they don't have an immediate opening. Be proactive and follow up every few months. Expanding your search to neighboring communities like Sheboygan Falls, Kiel, or Manitowoc can increase your options. Utilizing the **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** and contacting the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) service can help you identify all available licensed options in the wider area.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Cleveland, given the local community and environment?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally-relevant questions such as: "What is your policy for severe weather (e.g., winter snowstorms) and how are parents notified of closures?"; "Do you incorporate any local community outings (e.g., to the Cleveland Public Library, local parks, or farms)?"; "How do you handle the transition for children who may later attend the Howards Grove or Manitowoc public school districts?"; "What is your staff's longevity and connection to the Cleveland community?"; and "Given our rural setting, what is your outdoor play policy and how is the play area secured?" Also, inquire about their YoungStar rating and any recent DCF licensing reports.