The Best Daycare Centers in Fifield, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fifield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fifield
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located just 5 miles from Fifield in Park Falls. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certifications, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes daily outdoor play in secure playgrounds, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through digital platforms. The center is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere and strong community connections.
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KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare in Rhinelander serves families throughout the Northwoods region, including Fifield residents. This nationally accredited center offers research-based curriculum across all age groups, featuring early literacy programs, mathematics foundations, and social development activities. The facility includes secure classrooms with observation windows, age-specific playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes safety with coded entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and developmental progress tracking.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center in Wausau serves families throughout central Wisconsin with a focus on individualized child development. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured learning experiences, featuring hands-on exploration, creative arts, and early academic preparation. The center boasts low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and modern facilities with dedicated art studios, sensory rooms, and outdoor learning spaces. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The center is particularly noted for its inclusive environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships through regular conferences and digital updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fifield, WI
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Fifield, Wisconsin?
In the Fifield area, which is a more rural community in Price County, licensed childcare options primarily consist of family-based childcare providers (also known as Family Child Care or FCC). These are in-home providers licensed by the State of Wisconsin to care for a smaller number of children, often offering a more home-like environment. Due to the rural nature of the area, there are very few, if any, large daycare centers. Some parents may also utilize certified in-home providers, who care for up to 3 children and are not required to be licensed but must pass a background check. For school-aged children, the Prentice School District may offer before and after-school programs. Finding these providers often requires networking through local community boards, churches, or word-of-mouth, as online listings can be sparse.
How much does childcare typically cost in Fifield, and are there any financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Fifield and rural Price County tend to be lower than state averages but can vary based on the provider, the child's age, and hours needed. For a licensed family childcare provider, you might expect to pay between $125 to $200 per week for full-time care for one child. Infant care is often at the higher end of that range. Wisconsin offers the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility is based on income, work or school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the Price County Department of Social Services. Additionally, the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can provide relief at tax time.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Fifield, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small, rural community like Fifield, waitlists can be common, especially for infant and toddler care where provider-to-child ratios are lower. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to start inquiring during your second trimester. Spots with popular, well-established providers may be filled a year in advance. Proactively contacting local providers, even if they are currently full, to get on a waitlist is crucial. Expanding your search to nearby towns like Prentice or Phillips may increase your options.
What should I look for when visiting a potential in-home daycare provider in Fifield?
When visiting a family childcare home in Fifield, first verify their current Wisconsin license is posted (or certification paperwork). Observe the safety and cleanliness of the home, including secure storage of cleaning supplies and medications, covered electrical outlets, and safe outdoor play areas. Ask about their daily schedule, philosophy on discipline and learning, and emergency procedures for things like severe Northwoods weather or a health incident. Inquire about their training in CPR/First Aid and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, which are state requirements. Discuss policies on sick children, vacations, and holidays. Trust your instincts on the caregiver's interaction with the children and their openness to your questions.
What resources are available in Price County to help me find and evaluate childcare providers?
The primary resource for finding licensed and certified childcare in Price County is **Wisconsin's YoungStar Child Care Search website**, maintained by the Department of Children and Families. You can search by zip code (54524 for Fifield) and filter by provider type. Each listing includes licensing status, YoungStar quality rating (if rated), and capacity. For direct local assistance, you can contact the **Price County Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency**. While not headquartered in Fifield, they serve the county and can provide personalized referrals, information on financial assistance, and guidance on what to look for in a provider. Local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Fifield Area Community") are also commonly used by parents to ask for personal recommendations and experiences.