The Best Daycare Centers in Hurley, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hurley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hurley
Hurley Head Start
Head Start & Early Head Start
Hurley Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education with a strong focus on school readiness and family engagement. The program follows a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Certified early childhood educators maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide individualized learning experiences. The center offers nutritious meals, health screenings, and family support services. What makes this facility stand out is its holistic approach to child development, integrating educational excellence with comprehensive family services and community partnerships.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent Childcare Center
Located just across the state line in Ironwood, Little Learners Academy serves the Hurley area with a comprehensive educational program for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. State-certified teachers provide individualized attention with excellent staff-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern learning materials. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, safety protocols, and the genuine care provided by experienced staff members.
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Gogebic-Ontonagon Great Start Readiness Program
Regional Early Childhood Program
This highly-regarded early childhood program serves the Hurley-Ironwood area with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten success. The Great Start Readiness Program employs certified early childhood specialists who implement a structured curriculum emphasizing literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The program includes comprehensive developmental assessments, individualized learning plans, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. The facility features modern classrooms, specialized learning centers, and safe play areas. What distinguishes this program is its evidence-based instructional methods and strong track record of preparing children for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hurley, WI
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Hurley, WI?
In Hurley and the surrounding Iron County area, you'll primarily find two types of licensed childcare settings. The most common are Family Child Care (FCC) providers, who are licensed to care for up to 8 children in their own home. These are often a popular choice for a smaller, home-like environment. The second type is Group Child Care Centers, which are less common in a small town like Hurley but may be found in nearby larger communities. Due to the rural nature of the area, many families also rely on certified or license-exempt in-home providers, such as relatives or neighbors. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) maintains an online registry called "YoungStar" where you can search for and verify the license status of providers in Hurley.
How can I check the quality and licensing history of a daycare provider in Hurley?
All licensed childcare providers in Wisconsin, including those in Hurley, are regulated by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF). The most important tool for parents is the **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** and **YoungStar** website. Here, you can search for providers by zip code (54534 for Hurley) and view their YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars), licensing history, and any past violations or non-compliance reports. You should also contact the **Northern Regional Office of DCF** which oversees Iron County to ask specific questions. Additionally, it's highly recommended to visit the provider in person, ask for references from other local families, and verify their current license is posted.
What is the typical cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Hurley, and are there financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Hurley tend to be moderately lower than state averages but can vary significantly based on the provider's type and YoungStar rating. For a licensed Family Child Care provider, you might expect to pay between **$150 to $225 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Group centers, if available, may be slightly higher. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Wisconsin's **Wisconsin Shares** childcare subsidy program. Eligibility is based on income, work or school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the Iron County Department of Human Services. Also, explore the federal **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit** when filing your taxes.
Are daycare waitlists common in Hurley, and how far in advance should I start looking for care?
Yes, due to the limited number of licensed providers in a small, rural community like Hurley, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care spots. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, and even earlier if you require care for an infant under 1 year old. Many of the well-regarded home-based providers in the area have limited capacity and may only have openings when an older child moves on to school. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if they require a deposit to hold a spot.
What are some local resources or organizations in Iron County that can help me find and evaluate childcare?
Your first point of contact should be the **Iron County Department of Human Services**. They can provide referrals, information on the Wisconsin Shares subsidy, and general guidance. Another key resource is the **Childcaring, Inc.** agency, which is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Northern Wisconsin, including Iron County. They offer free, personalized referrals to local providers, parenting resources, and information on quality indicators. For networking and personal recommendations, consider joining local community Facebook groups like "Hurley, Wisconsin Community" or "Iron County, WI Talk" to ask other parents about their experiences with specific providers in the area.