The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin
Bright Horizons at Franklin
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Franklin offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features the World at Their Fingers curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and nurturing environment that promotes both academic and social growth.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Franklin
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Franklin provides a proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with social skills and confidence building. Their programs include early literacy, mathematics, science, and foreign language exposure. The center features modern security systems, nutritious meal programs, and dedicated learning centers for different age groups. Staff members receive ongoing professional development and maintain state-required certifications. Parents highlight the center's engaging activities, clean facilities, and the visible developmental progress children make through structured learning experiences.
Daycare Services:
Franklin Child Care Center
Independent
Franklin Child Care Center is a locally-owned facility offering personalized care with a play-based learning approach. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, creative expression, and social development through structured activities and free play. The center maintains small class sizes with experienced educators who focus on individual attention and developmental milestones. Facilities include secure indoor environments, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The center is praised for its family-like atmosphere, consistent staffing, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working parents' needs while providing quality early childhood education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin, WI?
In Franklin, WI, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month for an infant (under 18 months), and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400 per month, for a toddler. In-home licensed family daycare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (Wisconsin Shares) may provide financial assistance to eligible families in Franklin to help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare in Franklin is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Franklin must be regulated by the State of Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any licensing violations, through the official "Wisconsin Child Care Search" tool available on the DCF website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or license number. It shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and details of any regulatory visits or violations. Always confirm a provider's license is current and review their record before enrolling your child.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Franklin, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers in Franklin, especially for infant care slots, which are in high demand due to lower staff-to-child ratios required by state law. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families new to the area begin their search at least 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. Many popular centers in Franklin have waitlists that extend 9-12 months. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they charge a fee to be placed on it. Starting early provides more options and reduces last-minute stress.
What resources are available in Franklin to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Franklin parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) for Southeast Wisconsin**, a free service that maintains a database of licensed providers in Franklin and surrounding areas. They can provide personalized referrals based on your needs. Additionally, the **City of Franklin's community resources webpage** often lists local family-oriented services. For peer reviews and recommendations, local Facebook groups like "Franklin, WI Community" or "Franklin Moms" are active platforms where parents share firsthand experiences with daycare providers, nannies, and preschools.
What are the key differences between a licensed group child care center and a licensed family child care home in Franklin?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. **Licensed Child Care Centers** in Franklin are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often in commercial buildings. They typically have multiple classrooms, more staff, and structured educational programs. They must follow strict Wisconsin DCF rules on group sizes and staff qualifications. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 8 children (with specific limits on infants). This setting often offers a more home-like, flexible environment and may have more variable hours. Both are regulated, but family providers have different physical environment requirements. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a more institutional educational setting or a smaller, family-oriented atmosphere.