The Best Daycare Centers in Hawthorne, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hawthorne. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hawthorne
Head of the Lakes Child Development Center
Independent Nonprofit
Head of the Lakes Child Development Center is a highly-regarded nonprofit facility located approximately 15 miles from Hawthorne. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with structured curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. Their teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees, and they maintain low teacher-to-child ratios that exceed state requirements. The center features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, dedicated staff, and the visible developmental progress children make. Their outdoor learning environment includes nature-based play areas that complement their indoor learning centers.
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Growing Together Child Care Center
Independent
Growing Together Child Care Center serves the Hawthorne area from their Superior location, offering a comprehensive early childhood program focused on individualized learning. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum framework with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities adapted for different age groups. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, strict health and safety protocols, and allergy-aware meal preparation. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes separate age-appropriate classrooms, large motor skill development areas, and an enclosed outdoor playground. Parents highlight the center's warm environment, experienced teachers, and flexibility in accommodating family schedules.
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Hayward Community Cooperative Nursery School
Parent Cooperative
Located approximately 25 miles from Hawthorne, Hayward Community Cooperative Nursery School offers a unique parent-involved approach to early childhood education. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes social development, creativity, and natural exploration through both structured and child-directed activities. The cooperative model allows for strong parent-teacher partnerships and community building. The facility features a nature-inspired outdoor classroom, art studio, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain small class sizes. Safety is prioritized with secure access, regular drills, and comprehensive health policies. The program is particularly noted for its strong community connections and emphasis on outdoor education in the Northwoods environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hawthorne, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hawthorne, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Wisconsin, all childcare providers caring for four or more children under age 7 must be licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family childcare homes (in a provider's residence) and group childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, training (including CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention), and facility requirements. To verify the license status of a provider in or near Hawthorne, you can use the "YoungStar" search tool on the Wisconsin DCF website. YoungStar is Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement system, and its public search shows a provider's license status, any recent violations, and their quality rating (1 to 5 stars). You can also contact the Northern Regional DCF office for the area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Hawthorne area, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the rural Hawthorne area and surrounding Douglas County, costs can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant care. Center-based care in nearby larger towns like Superior could range from $200 to $300 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state's urban averages. Financial assistance is available through Wisconsin Shares, the state's childcare subsidy program for eligible working families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Given Hawthorne's rural location, how can I find and evaluate available daycare options, and are waitlists common?
Finding daycare in a rural community like Hawthorne requires a multi-pronged approach. Start with the Wisconsin DCF YoungStar online search, filtering for Douglas County. Contact the Douglas County Childcare Resource & Referral agency (often operated through organizations like the Superior School District's Family Resources) for personalized referrals. Local community boards at places like the Hawthorne Community Center, post office, or public library can have flyers. Networking through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Hawthorne, WI Community") is also very effective. Due to limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists are common and can be several months long. It's advisable to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. When evaluating, consider travel distance, the provider's philosophy, and ask for references from other local parents.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare providers in Hawthorne, and is there care available for non-standard hours or school-age children?
Most licensed family childcare homes and centers in the area operate on a fairly standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 or 7:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Care for non-standard hours (evenings, weekends, overnight) is extremely limited in rural Hawthorne. For school-age children, options include before- and after-school programs, which may be offered through the Solon Springs School District (which Hawthorne is part of) or through licensed providers who offer school-age care. Some family providers also offer care on school closure days and during summer breaks. It's critical to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront with any potential provider, as flexibility can be more constrained than in urban areas.
What questions should I ask a potential daycare provider in Hawthorne during a visit, and are there any local considerations I should keep in mind?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum, discipline, and safety, tailor your questions to the rural setting. Ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather (common in Northwestern Wisconsin) and how they handle communication if roads are difficult in winter. Inquire about their outdoor play area and policies regarding ticks, given the wooded surroundings. Ask if they participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which ensures nutritious meals. Specifically for Hawthorne, ask about their policy and connectivity for parent visits during the day, understanding you may have a longer commute. Always request contact information for at least two current references who are local parents. Finally, trust your instincts on the environment and the provider's experience caring for children in a close-knit, small-community context.