The Best Daycare Centers in Dodge, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dodge. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dodge
Sunshine Child Care Center
Sunshine Child Care Centers
Sunshine Child Care Center is a highly-regarded facility serving the Dodge County area with a comprehensive educational approach. They implement Creative Curriculum with play-based learning and structured academic preparation. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, and modern security systems. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM activities. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
Daycare Services:
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Little Sprouts Early Education
Little Sprouts Learning Center serves Dodge County families with a child-centered approach that balances structured learning and creative exploration. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The center employs qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers spacious classrooms, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and nature-based outdoor learning spaces. Parents appreciate their transparent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Watertown
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy is a premium childcare provider serving the greater Dodge County region with advanced educational programming. Their proprietary Brain Development curriculum incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and literacy-rich environments. The facility features secure webcam access for parents, USDA-approved meal programs, and advanced security systems. Highly qualified staff include teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and specialized training in infant/toddler development. The academy offers extensive indoor and outdoor learning environments, including interactive technology centers and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their comprehensive approach includes character development, foreign language exposure, and school readiness preparation.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dodge, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Dodge, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Dodge, Wisconsin, all licensed childcare providers must meet the regulations set by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family childcare providers (caring for up to 8 children) and group childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license, you can use the free, online "YoungStar Provider Search" tool on the DCF website. Simply enter the provider's name or Dodge's zip code (54733) to view their license status, any violations, and their YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars). This is a crucial first step for any parent in the Dodge area.
What is the typical cost for full-time infant daycare in Dodge, WI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Dodge and the surrounding Dodge County area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. Costs can vary based on the provider's YoungStar rating, whether it's a home-based or center-based program, and the specific services included. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's statewide "Wisconsin Shares" childcare subsidy program is available for eligible families based on income and work or education requirements. Additionally, you can contact the **Dodge County Human Services & Health Department** for information on local resources or referrals. Some local providers may also offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Dodge, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infants and toddlers, are common in Dodge due to limited provider capacity in a smaller community. Wait times can range from a few months to over a year. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers, including licensed family childcare homes in the area, which may have more immediate openings. When you find a potential fit, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) and maintain communication with providers every few months. Also, consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Beaver Dam or Juneau for more options.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Dodge area?
For school-age children attending school in Dodge, options may be limited directly in the village. Many licensed family childcare providers in the area offer before and after-school care, including transportation to and from local schools like Trenton Elementary. It's important to inquire directly with providers about their transportation policies and capacity. Another key resource is the **School District of Beaver Dam**, which may offer community programming or can provide referrals, as some Dodge residents are within that district. Planning ahead is essential, as these spots for school-age care are also in high demand.
Are there any seasonal or agricultural childcare considerations unique to families in Dodge, WI?
Yes, as a community in a largely agricultural region, some families in Dodge may have childcare needs tied to farming seasons. Standard daycare hours (e.g., 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM) may not align with planting or harvest hours. It's important to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront with providers. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate shift work. Additionally, Wisconsin's "Wisconsin Shares" program can assist eligible families where parents have variable seasonal income. For summer, exploring local summer day camps in Beaver Dam or Juneau can be a good solution for school-age children.