The Best Daycare Centers in Hammond, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hammond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hammond
Hammond Child Care Center
Independent
Hammond Child Care Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving the Hammond community with comprehensive early childhood programs. Operating from a dedicated facility near Hammond Elementary School, they offer a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern learning materials, and a nutrition program that provides healthy meals and snacks. The center stands out for its strong community connections and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families in the St. Croix Valley region.
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St. Croix Falls Child Care Center
Independent
Located just 6 miles from Hammond in neighboring St. Croix Falls, this center serves families throughout the St. Croix Valley with a research-based curriculum that includes Creative Curriculum and Handwriting Without Tears. The facility features secure access systems, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. Staff members maintain CPR/first aid certification and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is particularly noted for its strong kindergarten readiness program, comprehensive parent communication system, and inclusive environment that welcomes children of all abilities. Their summer camp program offers enrichment activities and field trips for school-age children.
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New Richmond KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
This nationally accredited KinderCare location in New Richmond (approximately 12 miles from Hammond) offers a comprehensive early childhood education program serving the wider St. Croix County area. The center implements KinderCare's proprietary curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional learning, featuring dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The secure facility includes keypad entry, regular safety drills, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The center stands out for its strong parent communication through daily reports and a mobile app, as well as flexible scheduling options that accommodate commuting families between Hammond and the Twin Cities metro area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hammond, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hammond, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Hammond, Wisconsin, all childcare providers caring for four or more children under age 7 must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family childcare homes and group centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, training (including CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention), and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and see if any enforcement actions have been taken by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the Wisconsin DCF website. It's highly recommended to check this public database and ask the provider directly for their license number before enrolling your child.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Hammond area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists at licensed daycare centers in and around Hammond (including nearby communities like Baldwin and River Falls) can range from 3 to 12 months. It's crucial to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. To improve your chances, get on multiple waitlists, follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest, and be flexible with your start date. Some in-home family childcare providers in Hammond may have shorter wait times, so consider expanding your search to include these licensed options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Hammond, WI?
The cost of childcare in Hammond and St. Croix County is generally lower than in major metro areas but can still be a significant expense for families. For a licensed center, you can expect to pay approximately $200-$275 per week for infant care and $180-$250 per week for toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $160-$220 per week. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and hours of operation. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any potential discounts for siblings or prepayment.
Are there any local resources or referral services in St. Croix County to help me find childcare in Hammond?
Yes, a primary resource is **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) of St. Croix County**, which is part of the statewide Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) network. Their specialists provide free, personalized referrals to licensed and certified providers in Hammond and the surrounding area based on your specific needs (hours, location, child's age, etc.). They can also offer guidance on understanding quality indicators, navigating the Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy program if you qualify, and accessing other early childhood resources. You can contact them via the WECA website or by phone.
What are some key quality indicators I should look for when touring a daycare in Hammond?
Beyond basic licensing, look for signs of a high-quality program. In Wisconsin, check if the provider is accredited by a recognized organization or has a YoungStar rating (Wisconsin's quality rating system)—a 4 or 5 Star rating is a strong indicator. During a tour, observe if staff are engaged with children at their level, if the environment is clean and safe with age-appropriate toys, and if there's a structured daily schedule that includes both play and learning. Ask about staff turnover (low turnover is better), their philosophy on discipline and communication, and how they handle emergencies. Also, consider the outdoor play space, which is important in a community like Hammond. Trust your instincts about the warmth and professionalism of the caregivers.