The Best Daycare Centers in Hertel, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hertel. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hertel
Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center is a highly-regarded facility located approximately 15 miles from Hertel, serving the broader Burnett County area. They employ a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning activities. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios, and offers a secure facility with coded entry systems. Their program includes age-appropriate STEM activities, literacy development, and outdoor learning in their spacious playground. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication about child progress.
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Kiddie Kampus Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Located about 12 miles from Hertel in Webster, Kiddie Kampus serves families throughout the region with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development. The center features a structured daily schedule that balances educational activities, creative arts, physical movement, and rest periods. Their qualified staff includes teachers with CPR/First Aid certification and ongoing professional development. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parents highlight the center's clean environment, nutritious meal program, and the staff's genuine care for each child's individual needs.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center in Frederic (approximately 18 miles from Hertel) provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with personalized learning plans for each child. The center features modern classrooms equipped with educational technology, extensive learning materials, and age-appropriate play areas. Staff qualifications include early childhood credentials and ongoing training in child development best practices. The center is known for its strong parent partnership approach, regular progress updates, and inclusive environment that welcomes children of all abilities. Their comprehensive program includes music, movement, and nature exploration activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hertel, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hertel, WI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hertel and the surrounding Burnett County area, full-time daycare for infants and toddlers typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of provider (licensed center vs. in-home family daycare) and the specific services offered. Given Hertel's small, rural nature, options are limited, which can sometimes keep prices competitive but also lead to waitlists. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's statewide **Wisconsin Shares** childcare subsidy program is available for eligible families based on income and work or education requirements. Additionally, local organizations like the **Burnett County Department of Human Services** can provide guidance on applying for assistance and may have information on other local resources or sliding-scale options offered by providers.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in Hertel is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Wisconsin, including those in Hertel, are regulated by the **Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF)**. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any licensing violations or complaints, through the **Wisconsin Child Care Regulatory System (WISCCRS)** website. This public search tool allows you to look up providers by name, city, or zip code. For Hertel specifically, you can also contact the **Northern Regional Office of the DCF** for additional support. It's highly recommended to use this tool, as it provides transparency on health and safety standards, staff qualifications, and capacity limits specific to Wisconsin regulations.
Given Hertel's small size, what are my main options for childcare, and how far in advance should I get on a waitlist?
In Hertel, your primary options are limited to licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence) or family and friends providing care. There are no large daycare centers within the village itself. Many families look to nearby towns like Siren, Webster, or Frederic for licensed centers, which involves a commute. Due to the limited number of providers serving the area, waitlists can be long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 12 months** before you need care, especially for infant spots, which are the most scarce. Contacting providers directly and networking through local community groups or Facebook pages (e.g., "Burnett County, WI Community") can help you discover openings.
Are there any state or local programs in Wisconsin that help parents find and evaluate childcare providers near Hertel?
Yes, Wisconsin offers **YoungStar**, the state's childcare quality rating and improvement system. While not all providers participate, especially in rural areas, the YoungStar website is a valuable resource for finding and comparing licensed providers. You can search for providers in Burnett County and see their quality rating (1 to 5 stars), which is based on education, learning environment, professional practices, and child health and wellness. For more direct, local assistance, you can contact **Childcaring, Inc.**, a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency that serves Northern Wisconsin, including Burnett County. They can provide personalized referrals, information on availability, and guidance on what to look for when choosing care.
What are some unique considerations for childcare in a rural area like Hertel, such as transportation, weather closures, or school-age care?
Childcare in rural Hertel comes with specific considerations. **Transportation** is a major factor, as providers rarely offer pickup/drop-off services, and parents must account for driving to a provider's home or to a center in a neighboring town. **Weather closures** due to heavy snow or ice are more impactful, as rural roads may be impassable; always clarify a provider's severe weather policy. For **school-age care**, the **Siren School District** serves Hertel, but before/after-school programs may be located at the school in Siren, not in Hertel itself, requiring planning for transportation. Building a network with other local parents can be crucial for backup care and carpooling arrangements, given the isolation and limited options.