The Best Daycare Centers in Eden, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Eden. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Eden
Growing Generations Childcare & Preschool
Growing Generations Childcare
Growing Generations offers a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum. The center features certified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant/toddler development and preschool education. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds with natural elements, and a dedicated infant wing with separate sleeping areas. The center emphasizes social-emotional development through structured activities and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Nutrition program includes USDA-approved meals and snacks prepared on-site. Security features include keypad entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Kids & Company Child Care Center
Kids & Company
Kids & Company serves the broader Fond du Lac region including Eden families with their comprehensive early childhood program. The center follows a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and creative arts. Qualified teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility features secure, age-specific learning environments, indoor gross motor play areas, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. Safety protocols include electronic check-in/out systems, secured entrances, and regular safety drills. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios.
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The Growing Tree Child Care Center
The Growing Tree
The Growing Tree provides high-quality early childhood education serving families throughout Fond du Lac County, including Eden. The center implements an emergent curriculum that builds on children's interests while meeting Wisconsin Early Learning Standards. Staff includes degreed early childhood professionals with specialized training in Reggio-inspired approaches. The facility features natural light-filled classrooms, dedicated art and music spaces, and extensive outdoor learning environments with gardens and natural play elements. Comprehensive safety measures include 24/7 video monitoring, strict health protocols, and emergency preparedness training. The center emphasizes family partnerships and community connections through regular events and transparent communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Eden, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Eden, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Wisconsin, all childcare providers caring for four or more children under age 7 must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family childcare homes and group centers. Licensed providers in Eden must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license and view their latest compliance history, you can use the free, online "YoungStar" search tool on the Wisconsin DCF website. This tool is essential for parents in Eden, as it shows a provider's YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars), any recent violations, and licensing status. You can also contact the DCF's Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Fond du Lac County, for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Eden, WI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Eden and the surrounding Fond du Lac County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $225 to $275 per week. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $200 to $250 per week. Family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, often between $160 and $220 per week. These costs can vary based on the provider's YoungStar rating and specific services offered. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's "Wisconsin Shares" childcare subsidy program is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, Fond du Lac County's Department of Social Services can provide information on local resources. Some Eden providers may also offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Eden, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to high demand and limited provider capacity in a smaller community like Eden, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at highly-rated centers can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, how often it's updated, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and their policy for moving from the waitlist to an enrolled spot. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Fond du Lac, Campbellsport, or Mount Calvary, and explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the options for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Eden for parents with shift work or irregular schedules?
Finding part-time or non-traditional hour care (evenings, weekends, overnights) in a rural community like Eden can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to seek out licensed family childcare providers, as they may offer more flexible hours or part-time arrangements. You can search for these providers using the Wisconsin DCF's YoungStar directory and filter by "Type of Care." Additionally, networking through local community groups, churches, or the Eden Elementary School can help you find in-home providers or responsible nanny shares. For reliable backup care, you might consider registered but not licensed providers (caring for 3 or fewer children), though they are not regulated by YoungStar.
Are there any daycare facilities or preschool programs in Eden that offer outdoor/nature-based learning, given the area's rural setting?
Yes, Eden's rural and agricultural setting provides a great backdrop for nature-based learning. While no state licensing category exists specifically for "forest schools," several local providers incorporate strong outdoor components. Some family childcare homes and smaller centers may have large, natural play spaces. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor play policy (Wisconsin licensing requires it weather permitting), the type of outdoor environment (paved vs. natural), and if they have gardens or incorporate nature into the curriculum. For a more structured nature preschool experience, you may need to look at programs in nearby Fond du Lac. The "Wisconsin Nature-Based Early Childhood Association" website is a good resource to find affiliated programs in the region.