The Best Daycare Centers in Fence, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fence
Florence Children's Center
Independent
Florence Children's Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving the Fence area with comprehensive early childhood programs. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with structured educational activities, focusing on social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features qualified early childhood educators with CPR/first aid certification, maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, and offers nutritious meals. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern safety protocols including secure entry systems. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment and strong communication practices.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Iron Mountain
The Learning Experience
As part of a nationally recognized early education franchise, The Learning Experience in nearby Iron Mountain serves families from the Fence area with their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry, camera monitoring, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their programs include phonics-based reading preparation, foreign language exposure, and character development. The facility offers bright, clean classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and structured outdoor play areas. Staff maintain ongoing professional development and the center maintains excellent state licensing compliance records.
Daycare Services:
Northern Lights Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Northern Lights Childcare & Preschool provides quality early childhood education to the Fence region with a focus on developmental appropriateness and individualized learning plans. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning standards, emphasizing hands-on exploration and creative expression. The center features degreed lead teachers, small class sizes, and comprehensive safety protocols including emergency preparedness training. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms, spacious preschool classrooms, fenced playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and commercial-grade cleaning systems. The center is noted for its strong parent partnerships and regular developmental progress reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fence, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fence, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Fence, Wisconsin, all licensed childcare providers must meet the regulations set by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). There are several types of licensure, including Licensed Family Child Care (for homes caring for up to 8 children) and Licensed Group Child Care (centers). Providers are regularly inspected for health, safety, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCF's "Child Care Finder" website or call their licensing specialist for the Northeast region. It's crucial to check for any licensing violations or conditional licenses, which are publicly available. Given Fence's rural location in Florence County, some providers may operate under the "Certified" family child care program, which has different rules, so always confirm the specific type of credential.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in the Fence area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of childcare providers in rural Fence and surrounding Florence County, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. Popular local centers or highly recommended in-home providers may have even longer lists. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers, get on multiple lists, and follow up every few months. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Florence or Iron Mountain, MI (just across the state line). Some families in Fence also form small nanny-shares due to the scarcity, which is a viable alternative to explore.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fence, WI?
Childcare costs in Fence are generally lower than in urban Wisconsin areas but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed family daycare home, you might pay between $150-$225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A licensed childcare center, if available locally or in nearby Florence, may range from $175-$275 per week. These rates are estimates, and it's important to ask what's included (meals, diapers, etc.). Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (Wisconsin Shares) is available for eligible families in Florence County to help offset costs, and some local providers participate. Always request a detailed fee schedule to avoid surprises.
Are there any unique seasonal or part-time childcare options for families in Fence, given its location in the Northwoods?
Yes, Fence's community and environment create unique childcare opportunities. During the summer and school breaks, look for day camps or recreational programs offered through the Florence County community or local school districts, which may provide full-day care for school-age children. For part-time or drop-in care, options are very limited in Fence itself, but some licensed family providers may offer flexible arrangements. Additionally, given the area's tourism and outdoor industry, some providers might offer seasonal care aligned with local employment patterns. Networking with other parents through community groups or the Florence County Facebook pages is often the best way to discover these less-advertised, flexible options.
What resources are available in Fence and Florence County to help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
Your primary local resource is the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is **Childcaring, Inc.** They serve Northern Wisconsin, including Florence County, and offer free referrals, information on licensing, and guidance on choosing quality care. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Florence County Health Department** may have information on local providers. For hands-on evaluation, use Wisconsin's "YoungStar" quality rating system (a 1 to 5-star scale); you can find a provider's rating on the DCF website. In a small community like Fence, personal recommendations from neighbors, your pediatrician's office (often in Iron Mountain or Florence), or local churches are also invaluable tools for finding trusted care.