The Best Daycare Centers in Highland, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland
Little Learners Childcare Center
Little Learners Childcare Center
Little Learners Childcare Center is a highly-regarded facility located approximately 15 miles from Highland, serving families throughout the surrounding rural communities. They employ a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates elements of Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, focusing on child-directed exploration. The center features state-certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and expansive outdoor play areas with natural elements. Parents consistently praise their strong communication, developmental milestone tracking, and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, educational environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Imagination Station Childcare & Learning Center
Imagination Station Childcare & Learning Center
Imagination Station serves families throughout western Wisconsin, including the Highland area, with a comprehensive early childhood education program. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) integration through hands-on learning experiences and project-based activities. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement Creative Curriculum with individualized learning plans. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers multiple age-specific playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and a technology-enhanced learning lab. Parent satisfaction highlights include their transparent communication through daily reports, family engagement events, and the center's focus on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
Daycare Services:
New Discoveries Learning Center
New Discoveries Learning Center
New Discoveries Learning Center is a well-established childcare provider serving families across western Wisconsin, including the Highland community. Their educational philosophy combines structured academic preparation with child-centered exploration, using HighScope curriculum with emphasis on active participatory learning. The center features degreed lead teachers with specialized training in early childhood development, maintaining low student-teacher ratios. Their comprehensive facility includes secure, age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor play space, multiple outdoor playgrounds with natural elements, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, and science. The center is recognized for its strong kindergarten readiness program, nutritious meal program following USDA guidelines, and robust parent communication system including regular progress reports and portfolio assessments.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Highland, WI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Highland and the surrounding Iowa County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care is generally between $150 and $200 per week. These rates can vary based on the provider type (in-home vs. center-based) and specific services offered. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's statewide **Wisconsin Shares** child care subsidy program is available for eligible families based on income and work or education requirements. Additionally, local organizations like the **Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP)** can provide guidance and support in accessing subsidies. It's recommended to contact providers directly for exact pricing and to apply for Wisconsin Shares through the Iowa County Department of Human Services.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Highland is properly licensed and what are Wisconsin's key regulations for child-to-staff ratios?
All licensed group and family child care providers in Wisconsin are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license status, view any licensing history, and check for violations using the **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** tool online. For child-to-staff ratios, Wisconsin mandates: for children aged 0-2 years, the ratio is 1 staff to 4 children; for 2-2.5 years, 1:6; for 2.5-3 years, 1:8; and for 3-4 years, 1:10. In-home family providers have different capacity limits. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit, and note that some very small in-home providers may be legally certified instead of licensed, which has different requirements.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Highland, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to Highland's smaller, rural setting, licensed daycare slots, especially for infants, can be limited and often have waitlists. It is strongly advised to begin your search **during pregnancy**, ideally by the second trimester. Many popular in-home family providers and the limited center-based options in nearby communities may have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. Contacting providers early allows you to get on multiple lists. Be proactive and check back periodically, as spots can occasionally open up unexpectedly. Networking with other local parents through community groups or Facebook pages can also provide leads on upcoming availability.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Highland, and what are the pros and cons of each?
The most common options in Highland are **licensed family child care homes** and **certified in-home providers**. There are few, if any, large daycare centers within the city itself; parents may need to look to nearby towns like Dodgeville or Mineral Point. Family child care homes offer a home-like setting, mixed-age groups, and often more flexible hours, which can be ideal for farming families or those with non-standard schedules. Certified providers offer care in their home for up to 3 children under age 7. The primary advantage is often a smaller, more personal environment. The cons can include less structured curriculum and vulnerability to provider illness or vacation closures. Some families also utilize part-time preschool programs for older toddlers.
What resources are available in Highland to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
Your primary resource is the **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** website, which allows you to search by zip code (53543) and filter by type of care, hours, and accepted subsidies. For personalized referrals, you can contact the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southwest Wisconsin**, which serves Iowa County. They can provide lists of licensed providers and advice on choosing care. Locally, the **Highland Public Library** and community bulletin boards sometimes have information. Don't underestimate the value of asking for recommendations from your pediatrician (often based in Dodgeville or Platteville) and from other parents at the **Highland Elementary School** or community events. Always schedule in-person visits and ask for references.