The Best Daycare Centers in Fredonia, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fredonia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fredonia
The Goddard School of Port Washington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Port Washington serves the Fredonia area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development through play-based learning. All teachers are early childhood education certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize individualized learning plans and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The school is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Port Washington Child Care Center
Independent Non-Profit
Port Washington Child Care Center is a well-established non-profit facility serving Fredonia families with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. They are Wisconsin YoungStar rated and follow state licensing standards with enhanced teacher qualifications. The center features separate infant, toddler, and preschool rooms with age-appropriate learning centers. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. Safety protocols include secured access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication logs and family events.
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Children's Learning Center of Cedarburg
Independent
Children's Learning Center serves the broader Ozaukee County area including Fredonia with a research-based curriculum that blends structured learning with child-directed activities. Their program focuses on developing foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on experiences. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and expansive outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing training in best practices. The center is recognized for its nutritious meal program and strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fredonia, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fredonia, WI?
In Fredonia and the surrounding Ozaukee County area, full-time daycare costs are generally higher than the Wisconsin state average due to the county's higher cost of living. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Licensed family/group daycare homes in Fredonia often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up are common. Many providers in the area participate in the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program, which can help eligible families offset these costs.
How can I verify the licensing and complaint history of a daycare provider in Fredonia?
All regulated childcare providers in Fredonia must be licensed or certified by the State of Wisconsin. The primary resource for verification is the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) "Child Care Finder" website. This public tool allows you to search for providers by location (using Fredonia's zip code, 53021) and view their licensing status, capacity, ages served, and any serious rule violations or substantiated complaints from the past two years. You can also contact the DCF's Southeast Regional Office, which oversees Ozaukee County, for further information. Always visit a potential provider in person and ask to see their current license, which must be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Fredonia, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for daycare centers and highly-regarded family providers in Fredonia, especially for infant spots. Due to high demand and limited slots, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical but still advisable. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: whether there's a fee to be added, how often you need to confirm your interest, and their estimated timeline. Exploring options in nearby communities like Port Washington or Saukville can also increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in a smaller community like Fredonia?
Fredonia offers a mix of childcare settings typical of a smaller Wisconsin village. The most common options are: 1) **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** These are small, home-based programs offering a family-like setting, often with mixed-age groups. They are numerous in residential areas. 2) **Licensed Group Child Care Centers:** There are a few dedicated daycare centers, often affiliated with churches or community organizations. 3) **Public School 4K Programs:** The Northern Ozaukee School District offers 4-year-old kindergarten, which may be a half-day or wrap-around care program. For school-age children, the district and local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club offer before/after-school care. There are fewer large, corporate chain centers compared to bigger cities, making the local, provider-owned options the standard.
What are the key seasonal or local factors that affect childcare availability in Fredonia?
Two major local factors influence childcare availability in Fredonia. First, as part of a largely rural and small-town area, **agricultural seasons** can impact family schedules. Some providers may have limited summer hours or closures during peak harvest times if they serve farming families. Second, **tourism and Lake Michigan activities** in nearby Port Washington can create summer demand for part-time or drop-in care, potentially filling slots that might otherwise be open. Additionally, like much of Wisconsin, many providers follow the Northern Ozaukee School District calendar for major holidays and snow closures. It's crucial to ask a provider for their annual calendar to understand planned closures for local events, like the Fredonia Fireman's Festival, or for severe winter weather, which can lead to unexpected closures.
Childcare Insights for Fredonia
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re searching for “baby daycare near me” in Fredonia, Wisconsin, you’re likely looking for a place that feels like a second home—a nurturing environment close by where your little one can thrive. The good news is that Fredonia and the surrounding Ozaukee County area offer several wonderful options, each with its own unique approach to early childhood care. The key is finding the one that aligns perfectly with your family’s needs and values.
Start your search by considering what matters most to you. Is it a small, in-home daycare provider who offers a family-like setting, or a larger center with structured programs and multiple caregivers? Fredonia has a mix of both. Many local in-home providers are licensed by the state and provide a cozy, flexible atmosphere, which can be especially comforting for infants. Larger centers, some of which may be a short drive into neighboring communities like Port Washington or Cedarburg, often have dedicated infant rooms with specific curricula designed for early development. Whichever you lean toward, prioritize visiting in person. There’s no substitute for seeing the space, observing how caregivers interact with the babies, and getting a feel for the daily rhythm.
When you tour a potential daycare in Fredonia, ask specific questions. Inquire about caregiver-to-infant ratios to ensure your baby gets plenty of individual attention. Discuss their policies on feeding, napping, and communication—how will they update you on your baby’s day? Given our Wisconsin seasons, ask about their outdoor time philosophy for infants on milder days. Also, consider the practicalities of location. A daycare close to home in Fredonia can simplify your commute, but you might also consider options along your route to work if you travel to Sheboygan or Milwaukee. Checking a provider’s licensing status through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is a crucial step for peace of mind.
Building a connection with your childcare provider is essential. Look for someone who welcomes your questions and shares your perspective on comforting techniques, play, and early learning. The tight-knit nature of Fredonia can be a real asset here; don’t hesitate to ask other parents at the library or local parks for their personal experiences and recommendations. Trust your instincts during your visits. You want to feel confident and reassured when you leave your baby in their care.
Ultimately, finding the right baby daycare in Fredonia is about partnership. It’s about discovering a safe, warm, and stimulating environment where your child is cherished and encouraged to grow. By taking the time to research, visit, and ask the right questions, you can find a wonderful local provider who will support both your baby’s development and your family’s journey. This beautiful community has resources to help you, and with careful consideration, you’ll find a spot where your baby’s smiles at drop-off tell you everything you need to know.