The Best Daycare Centers in Drummond, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Drummond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Drummond
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located in nearby Hayward, serving the Drummond area with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and a large outdoor playground with natural elements. They emphasize nutritional wellness with homemade meals and snacks, and maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports and a dedicated parent portal.
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Growing Tree Child Care Center
Independent
Growing Tree Child Care Center has served the Hayward/Drummond community for over 15 years with a focus on developmental appropriateness and individualized learning. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with Creative Curriculum elements, emphasizing hands-on exploration and project-based learning. The center features separate infant, toddler, and preschool wings with specialized learning environments. All lead teachers hold CPR/First Aid certification and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, large motor skill development areas, and nature-based outdoor learning spaces. They maintain excellent state licensing compliance records and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate family needs.
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Northern Lights Montessori
Independent
Northern Lights Montessori provides authentic Montessori education to children in the Cable/Drummond area, serving families seeking alternative educational approaches. The center features AMI-trained guides and carefully prepared environments with traditional Montessori materials that promote independence, concentration, and natural development. Their mixed-age classrooms allow for peer learning and individualized pacing. The curriculum encompasses practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The facility includes beautiful outdoor classrooms, gardens for hands-on learning, and natural play spaces. They emphasize peace education, environmental stewardship, and community involvement, with strong parent education components and regular classroom observations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Drummond, WI
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Drummond, WI, and how do I find them?
In Drummond and the surrounding Bayfield County area, your primary licensed options are family child care (FCC) programs, which operate in a provider's home, and group child care centers. Due to Drummond's rural nature, family child care is often the most prevalent and accessible option. There are no large commercial daycare chains in Drummond itself. To find licensed providers, you should use the official Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) "YoungStar" Child Care Finder website or app. This tool allows you to search by zip code (54832) and filter by program type, hours, and the provider's YoungStar quality rating. You can also contact the Northwest Connections Family Resources agency, which serves Bayfield County, for local referrals and support.
How long are typical waitlists for childcare in Drummond, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists in Drummond can vary significantly but are common, especially for infant and toddler care, due to limited provider capacity. It's not unusual for a sought-after family child care home to have a waitlist of 6 to 12 months. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on several waitlists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is standard practice. Stay in periodic, polite contact with providers to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search radius to include nearby communities like Cable or Barnes, understanding that transportation will be a key factor.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Drummond, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
For full-time care (5 days a week), costs in Drummond typically range from $175 to $250 per week for a family child care setting, with infant care often at the higher end. This is generally lower than urban areas in Wisconsin but must be considered relative to local incomes. The primary source of financial assistance is Wisconsin Shares, the state's child care subsidy program for income-eligible families. You apply through the Bayfield County Department of Human Services. Additionally, you may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Some local employers or community organizations may offer limited assistance; it's worth inquiring directly with the Northwest Connections Family Resources for any current local grants or sliding-scale options.
What should I look for during a tour of a family child care home in Drummond, given the rural setting?
During a tour, beyond standard checks for safety and cleanliness, ask specific questions relevant to rural life. Inquire about their outdoor play philosophy and safety protocols, given the proximity to woods and possibly wildlife. Ask about their plan for emergencies, including severe weather (like heavy snowstorms) and medical situations, considering the distance to the nearest hospital in Ashland or Hayward. Check if they participate in Wisconsin's YoungStar program—a higher rating (3-5 stars) indicates a commitment to quality. Also, discuss their policy on school closures and delays for older siblings, as this can impact drop-off/pick-up in a district like Drummond School. Observe how the provider interacts with the children to ensure a warm, engaging environment.
How does Wisconsin's licensing and YoungStar rating system work, and why is it important for choosing care in Drummond?
All regulated childcare providers in Wisconsin must be licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), which sets standards for health, safety, and training. The **YoungStar** system is Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement program. Providers are rated from 1 Star (meets health and safety standards) to 5 Stars (exceeds expectations and demonstrates high-quality practices). In Drummond, where choices may be limited, a provider's YoungStar rating is a crucial objective measure of quality. A higher-rated provider will have more educated staff, better learning environments, and stronger family engagement. You can view a provider's rating on the Child Care Finder website. Choosing a 3, 4, or 5 Star program may also make you eligible for higher subsidy reimbursement rates if you use Wisconsin Shares.