The Best Daycare Centers in Combined Locks, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Combined Locks. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Combined Locks
Bright Horizons at Appleton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Appleton is a nationally accredited center offering a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness. Their World at Their Fingertips approach emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with advanced safety protocols. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces, and regular parent communication through their Family Connection app.
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The Learning Tree Child Care Center
The Learning Tree
The Learning Tree provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment with a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation and social development. Their qualified early childhood educators implement age-appropriate activities in literacy, STEM, creative arts, and physical development. The center maintains excellent safety standards with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. They offer flexible scheduling, healthy meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Little Sprouts Academy
Little Sprouts Academy
Little Sprouts Academy in nearby Kimberly serves the Combined Locks area with a comprehensive early childhood program emphasizing individualized learning and whole-child development. Their curriculum integrates Montessori-inspired activities with structured academic preparation, focusing on language development, math concepts, and social skills. The center features experienced early childhood professionals, small class sizes, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and open communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Combined Locks, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Combined Locks, WI?
In Combined Locks and the surrounding Fox Cities area, full-time daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 1 year), you can expect to pay between $250 and $320 per week. For toddlers (1-3 years), costs typically range from $220 to $280 per week, and for preschool-age children (3-5 years), it's often $200 to $260 per week. These rates are generally in line with the Appleton/Kimberly area. It's important to note that licensed family daycare homes in the village may offer slightly lower rates. Many facilities include meals and snacks in their tuition. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and to inquire about any potential registration or supply fees.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Combined Locks, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for daycare centers in Combined Locks, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios under Wisconsin licensing rules. For the most sought-after centers, it's advisable to get on a waitlist as soon as you know you are expecting, or at least 6 to 12 months before your desired start date. For toddler and preschool spots, a 3 to 6-month lead time is often necessary. Some smaller in-home providers may have more immediate openings. A good strategy is to get on multiple lists and check in periodically. You can also explore options in neighboring Kimberly, Little Chute, or Appleton, which may have different availability.
What should I look for when verifying a daycare is properly licensed in Wisconsin?
All licensed daycare providers in Combined Locks must be regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). You should always ask to see their license, which must be posted in a visible location. You can also verify a provider's license status, view their latest monitoring reports, and check for any violations online through the Wisconsin DCF's "Child Care Finder" website. Key things to look for in the reports are compliance with health and safety standards, proper staff background checks, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). Licensed providers have met state standards for safety, training, and environment.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Combined Locks?
For children attending Combined Locks Elementary (part of the Kimberly Area School District), the district itself typically offers a School Age Child Care (SACC) program. This program is often housed at the school or a nearby location and provides care before school starts and after school until the early evening. Spaces can be limited, so early registration is key. Additionally, some local daycare centers and licensed family homes in the village offer school-age programs that provide transportation to and from the elementary school. The YMCA of the Fox Cities also may offer before/after-school programming with busing from the school; checking their Appleton-based services for availability in Combined Locks is recommended.
Are there any local resources or programs in Outagamie County to help with childcare costs?
Yes, Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program, often called Wisconsin Shares, is available to eligible families in Combined Locks (Outagamie County) to help make childcare affordable. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as working or attending school). You can apply through the Outagamie County Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, some local daycare providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which uses pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. For direct referrals and guidance, you can contact the Child Care Resource & Referral agency serving Northeast Wisconsin, like the one operated by the Family and Childcare Resources of N.E.W.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Combined Locks: