The Best Daycare Centers in East Ellsworth, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in East Ellsworth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in East Ellsworth
Ellsworth Community Child Care Center
Independent Non-Profit
Ellsworth Community Child Care Center is a highly-regarded non-profit facility serving the East Ellsworth area with comprehensive early childhood programs. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with structured curriculum elements that align with Wisconsin Early Learning Standards. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding Early Childhood Education credentials and ongoing professional development. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a nutrition program that provides healthy meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, nurturing environment and strong communication between staff and families. The center maintains excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills.
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New Horizons Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Located in nearby River Falls, New Horizons serves families throughout Pierce County including East Ellsworth. The center offers a balanced curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. Their educational approach incorporates Creative Curriculum with STEM elements and literacy focus. The facility features modern classrooms, large outdoor learning environments, and dedicated infant and toddler wings. Staff members hold degrees in Early Childhood Education and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The center is noted for its strong parent partnership model, regular developmental assessments, and inclusive environment that welcomes children of all abilities. Safety features include comprehensive background checks, surveillance systems, and emergency preparedness protocols.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care Center
Independent
Kiddie Korner Child Care Center in Hudson serves the broader region including East Ellsworth families. This established center provides a comprehensive early childhood program focusing on whole-child development through hands-on learning experiences. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with traditional preschool elements, emphasizing independence, problem-solving, and social skills. The facility includes spacious classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. All teaching staff meet or exceed Wisconsin licensing requirements, with many holding advanced certifications in early childhood education. The center is recognized for its consistent quality, experienced leadership team, and strong community reputation built over nearly two decades of service. They maintain rigorous health and safety standards including enhanced cleaning protocols and secure facility access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in East Ellsworth, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in East Ellsworth, WI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In East Ellsworth and the surrounding Pierce County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 2 years) typically ranges from $225 to $275 per week. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs are slightly lower, averaging $200 to $250 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Wisconsin metro areas but can vary based on the provider's amenities and curriculum. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's statewide **Wisconsin Shares** child care subsidy program is available to eligible families based on income and work or education requirements. Additionally, local organizations like **Pierce County Human Services** can provide guidance and referrals. It's highly recommended to contact providers directly, as some may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees based on income.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers and in-home providers in East Ellsworth, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like East Ellsworth, waitlists for licensed daycare, especially for infants, can be significant. It's common to encounter wait times of 6 to 12 months for coveted spots at established centers or highly recommended in-home providers. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. Contact all licensed providers listed with the **Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF)** for the East Ellsworth area (55009 zip code). Be prepared to place a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Ellsworth, Prescott, or River Falls, which may have more options and slightly shorter lists.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in East Ellsworth, and how can I verify a provider's license and complaint history?
All childcare providers in East Ellsworth caring for four or more children must be licensed by the State of Wisconsin through the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can easily verify a provider's license status and review any non-compliance history (including complaints and violations) for free on the official **Wisconsin DCF "YoungStar" Public Search** website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This tool is crucial for parents to make informed decisions. For smaller, in-home settings caring for 1-3 children, providers may be certified instead of licensed, which has different requirements; you can verify their certification through the same portal.
Are there any daycare facilities in East Ellsworth that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working in healthcare, manufacturing, or shift work?
Finding childcare with extended, weekend, or overnight hours in a small community like East Ellsworth is very challenging. Most licensed centers and in-home providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM schedule. For parents with non-traditional shifts, your best options are to: 1) Seek out registered in-home providers who may offer more personalized and flexible arrangements, 2) Form a small, shared nanny arrangement with other local families with similar schedules, or 3) Look at providers in larger nearby employment hubs like **River Falls** or **Hudson**, where some centers may offer extended hours to serve a more diverse workforce. Be sure to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront during your initial inquiries.
What resources are available in East Ellsworth to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
Your primary local resource is **Pierce County Human Services**. They can provide a current list of licensed and certified providers in the East Ellsworth area. Additionally, the statewide referral service **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)**, accessed through the **The Registry** website, is an invaluable tool. You can search by zip code (55009), filter by age, and see providers' YoungStar quality ratings (a 1 to 5-star system). For personal recommendations, connect with other parents through the **Ellsworth Area School District** community pages or local Facebook groups like "Ellsworth, WI Community." Finally, always schedule in-person tours to ask questions, observe the environment, and trust your instincts about the fit for your child.
Nearby Cities
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