The Best Daycare Centers in Delafield, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Delafield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Delafield
Primrose School of Delafield
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Delafield offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features highly qualified early childhood educators with comprehensive training in child development. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. Their proprietary curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The school provides nutritious meals and snacks and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention.
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The Goddard School of Hartland
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Hartland serves the Delafield area with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which combines play-based learning with academic preparation. All teachers have early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure keypad entry, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. Their STEAM-based curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts, with daily communication to parents about their child's activities and development through a proprietary app.
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KinderCare at Pewaukee
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Pewaukee provides comprehensive early childhood education serving the Delafield community with their research-based curriculum that aligns with state early learning standards. The center features experienced early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certification, and low student-to-teacher ratios. Safety measures include secured entrances, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning centers. The facility includes age-appropriate outdoor play areas and offers nutritious meals prepared on-site, with accommodations for dietary restrictions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Delafield, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Delafield, WI?
In Delafield and the surrounding Lake Country area, full-time daycare costs are generally in line with or slightly above the Wisconsin state average due to the community's demographics and demand. For an infant (under 2 years), you can expect to pay between $1,300 and $1,700 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. In-home licensed family daycare may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,300 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or meals may apply. Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (Wisconsin Shares) is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Delafield, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Delafield can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. Given this, it is highly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and get on waitlists as soon as possible. For transitions (like moving from an infant to a toddler room), inquire about internal waitlists at your current center 3-4 months in advance. Being flexible on your start date can improve your chances. For immediate needs, expanding your search to nearby communities like Hartland, Oconomowoc, or Pewaukee might yield shorter wait times.
What are the licensing and safety regulations specific to Wisconsin that Delafield daycares must follow?
All licensed childcare providers in Delafield must adhere to Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 250 (for group centers) or DCF 251 (for family providers). Key regulations include strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for children under 2, 1:6 for 2-year-olds), comprehensive background checks for all employees, and mandatory training in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and CPR. The state also requires a minimum of 25 square feet of indoor space and 50 square feet of outdoor space per child. All facilities are subject to unannounced annual inspections by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), and you can view a provider's licensing history and any violations online through the DCF's "Child Care Finder" website.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Delafield that cater to specific schedules or needs?
Yes, Delafield offers several tailored options. Many centers provide "school-age care" for the Waukesha School District's Delafield schools (like Cushing Elementary), offering before-and-after-school care and summer camps. Some providers offer part-time or flexible schedules (2-3 days a week), which can be ideal for parents with hybrid work arrangements. Given Delafield's proximity to nature, several programs emphasize outdoor and nature-based learning, incorporating the local parks and the Ice Age Trail into their curriculum. Additionally, for parents working non-traditional hours, a limited number of in-home providers may offer evening or weekend care. It's best to inquire directly with providers about these specialized arrangements.
What resources are available in Delafield to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare provider?
Your primary resource is the official **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** tool on the DCF website, which allows you to search for licensed providers in Delafield by zip code (53018), view their licensing details, capacity, and any regulatory history. Locally, you can contact **The Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Waukesha County**, which offers free referrals and guidance. The **Delafield Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with provider information. Finally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like "Delafield Moms" or "Lake Country Area Parents") is invaluable for getting firsthand recommendations and experiences, which are crucial for understanding a provider's reputation and day-to-day environment.