The Best Daycare Centers in Embarrass, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Embarrass. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Embarrass
Bright Beginnings Childcare Center
Independent
Bright Beginnings is a highly-rated childcare center located approximately 15 miles from Embarrass. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern facilities with both indoor and outdoor learning environments. Their curriculum is designed to prepare children for kindergarten while nurturing individual development. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Located about 20 miles from Embarrass, Little Sprouts Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a focus on developmental appropriateness and individualized care. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through creative arts, music, movement, and sensory activities. The center features highly qualified staff with degrees in early childhood education, secure facilities with camera monitoring, and age-appropriate learning spaces. They maintain small class sizes and focus on building foundational skills through structured play and guided activities. The center is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere and strong emphasis on social development and community building.
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The Growing Tree Child Care Center
Independent
The Growing Tree Child Care Center, located approximately 18 miles from Embarrass, offers a well-established early childhood program with a balanced approach to education and care. Their curriculum combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning methods, focusing on independence, problem-solving, and academic readiness. The center features experienced educators with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. They offer enriched learning environments with dedicated spaces for different age groups, outdoor playgrounds, and specialized learning materials. The center is particularly noted for its strong kindergarten preparation program and excellent parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Embarrass, WI
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Embarrass, Wisconsin?
In Embarrass, Wisconsin, licensed childcare options primarily consist of family childcare programs (also known as group or family daycare homes) and potentially a limited number of certified in-home providers. Due to Embarrass's small, rural population, there are no large childcare centers within the village itself. Family childcare providers operate out of their own homes and are licensed by the State of Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to care for a smaller number of children, often offering a more home-like environment. For school-age children, the local school district may offer before and after-school care programs. Parents often need to look to nearby larger communities like Clintonville or Shawano for center-based options.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in the Embarrass area?
The most reliable resource is Wisconsin's official "YoungStar" and "Child Care Finder" website, managed by the DCF. You can search by zip code (54932) or city to find all licensed and certified providers in and around Embarrass. This tool shows each provider's YoungStar quality rating (1-5 Stars), licensing status, capacity, and any violations or commendations. Given the limited number of providers, it's also highly effective to ask for personal recommendations through local community networks, the Embarrass Community Club, or the Tigerton School District (which serves the area). Always verify a provider's license is current and in good standing before enrolling.
What are the typical costs for childcare in Embarrass, and is there financial assistance available?
Costs in rural areas like Embarrass can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $250 per week for full-time infant or toddler care, with slightly lower rates for preschool or school-age children. These rates are often lower than in urban Wisconsin centers but are highly dependent on the individual provider. Financial assistance is available through Wisconsin Shares, the state's childcare subsidy program for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, work or school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the Shawano County Department of Human Services, which serves Embarrass residents.
Are waitlists common for childcare in Embarrass, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy due to the extremely limited number of providers in a small rural community. A single family childcare home in Embarrass may only have slots for 2-3 infants. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before their needed start date. Contact every potential provider within a 20-30 mile radius (including neighboring towns) to get on multiple waitlists. Be prepared to be flexible with start dates and have backup plans, as openings are infrequent.
What specific questions should I ask a potential childcare provider in a rural setting like Embarrass?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, ask location-specific questions: What is your backup plan for provider illness or emergency, given there are no substitute centers nearby? How do you handle emergency medical situations, considering the distance to a hospital? What is your policy on severe winter weather and road conditions? Do you participate in the USDA Food Program for meals/snacks? Can you provide references from other local families? Also, confirm their license type and capacity, and ask if they have a transportation plan for school-age children to/from the local Tigerton School District bus stop or school.