The Best Daycare Centers in Francis Creek, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Francis Creek. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Francis Creek
The Learning Garden Childcare Center
Independent
The Learning Garden Childcare Center provides a comprehensive educational program focusing on developmental milestones through play-based learning. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum standards with hands-on activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and nutritious meal programs. Their outdoor learning environment includes nature exploration areas and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center stands out for its strong parent communication system and individualized learning plans for each child.
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Imagination Station Child Care Center
Independent
Imagination Station offers a balanced approach to early childhood education with emphasis on literacy development and STEM activities. Their program includes daily structured learning centers, music and movement classes, and character education. The facility maintains state-exceeding staff qualifications with ongoing professional development and comprehensive background checks. Safety features include secured entrances, CCTV monitoring, and strict health protocols. The center is particularly noted for its extensive library resources, interactive technology integration, and family engagement events throughout the year.
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Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Regional Childcare Group
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center provides a structured academic foundation while nurturing social-emotional development through their "Whole Child" approach. Their curriculum aligns with Wisconsin Early Learning Standards and includes specialized programs in early literacy, mathematics, and science exploration. The center features degreed lead teachers, comprehensive security systems, and USDA-approved nutrition programs. Their facility includes dedicated art studios, motor development rooms, and innovative outdoor learning spaces. The center is distinguished by its parent portal system for real-time updates and community partnership programs with local schools and organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Francis Creek, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Francis Creek, WI?
In Francis Creek and the surrounding Manitowoc County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. Licensed family daycare homes typically range from $150 to $225 per week for infants and toddlers. Larger daycare centers in nearby cities like Manitowoc may charge between $200 and $300 per week. It's important to note that Francis Creek is a smaller village, so local in-home options may be more limited and potentially have lower overhead costs, but you may also need to consider providers in adjacent communities. Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (Wisconsin Shares) is available to eligible families in Manitowoc County to help offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Francis Creek is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed group and family child care providers in Wisconsin are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can use the "YoungStar" public search tool on the Wisconsin DCF website to find licensed providers in the 54214 zip code (Francis Creek) and surrounding areas. This tool shows a provider's YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars), their licensing status, and any serious non-compliance violations or enforcement actions. For very small in-home providers caring for fewer than 4 children, licensing is not required, so parents should conduct thorough interviews and request references.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Francis Creek that offer part-time or drop-in care, which is helpful for parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Given Francis Creek's small size, there are no large daycare centers within the village itself that advertise formal drop-in care. Your best bet for flexible scheduling is to connect with licensed family child care providers operating in their homes, as they may have more ability to accommodate part-time or irregular hours. For consistent part-time preschool, many families look to programs in nearby Manitowoc (about a 10-minute drive), such as those offered by the Manitowoc Public School District or private centers. Networking through local Facebook groups like "Manitowoc County Moms" can help you find smaller, flexible in-home providers in the Francis Creek area.
What is the average waitlist time for infant daycare spots in the Francis Creek area, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by Wisconsin's required low staff-to-child ratios), waitlists in Manitowoc County can be significant. For the few licensed providers in Francis Creek proper and the more numerous options in neighboring communities, it is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Average waitlist times can range from 3 to 9 months. Be prepared to get on multiple lists and pay a small waitlist fee. Proactively contacting family child care providers through local word-of-mouth is also crucial in a smaller community like Francis Creek.
What resources are available in Francis Creek or Manitowoc County to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Manitowoc County**, which is part of the larger statewide network. While not based in Francis Creek, they serve the entire county. You can contact them for free, personalized referrals to licensed providers matching your location, schedule, and child's age. They can also guide you through the Wisconsin Shares subsidy application. Additionally, the **Manitowoc County Human Services Department** can provide information on local programs. For informal recommendations, the Francis Creek community often relies on connections at St. Anne Parish or the local volunteer fire department events.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Francis Creek: