The Best Daycare Centers in Jackson, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jackson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jackson
KinderCare Learning Center at West Bend
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare West Bend provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with CPR and First Aid certifications, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry. Their approach includes daily learning activities, outdoor play spaces, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the center for its consistent communication, developmental milestone tracking, and inclusive environment, making it a trusted choice for families in the Jackson area.
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The Goddard School of Germantown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Germantown offers a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that blends academic readiness with creative play, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training, ensuring high-quality care. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and robust safety protocols like daily health checks. Families appreciate the school's emphasis on individualized learning, parent involvement through regular updates, and its reputation for fostering a nurturing, diverse community.
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Primrose School of Germantown
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Germantown follows the Balanced Learning® curriculum, which integrates character development with academic skills through hands-on activities and literacy-rich environments. The school employs experienced educators with background checks and specialized training, maintaining low ratios for personalized attention. Safety features include secured entrances, hygiene routines, and allergy-aware meal plans. Highlights include a structured daily schedule with music, art, and physical education, plus strong parent-teacher partnerships. It is highly regarded for its holistic approach and consistent high parent satisfaction in the region serving Jackson.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jackson, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Jackson, WI?
In Jackson, WI, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $250 to $350 per week for infant care (6 weeks to 18 months) and $225 to $300 per week for toddler care. In-home licensed family daycare providers often charge slightly less, typically ranging from $200 to $275 per week. These costs are generally in line with the Washington County average. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Some centers may offer a slight discount for enrolling multiple children.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Jackson, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists in Jackson can vary significantly by provider and the age of your child. For infant rooms at popular centers, waitlists of 6 to 12 months are not uncommon due to strict state-mandated staff-to-child ratios. For toddler and preschool rooms, waitlists may be shorter, typically 3 to 6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists, even at places that are not your top choice, as a backup. Maintain regular contact (every 4-6 weeks) with the center directors to express your continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycare providers in the surrounding Jackson area, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting.
What are the key Wisconsin state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Jackson?
All licensed childcare providers in Jackson must comply with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulations. Key requirements to verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 1 year, 1:6 for toddlers), **Background Checks** for all staff, **Health and Safety Training** including CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, and **Annual Licensing Inspections**. You can and should ask to see the provider's current license, which must be posted. You can also look up any licensing history, including violations, on the Wisconsin DCF "YoungStar" website. The YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars) is also a valuable tool; most Jackson providers are rated, with 3 stars being a common baseline for meeting health and safety standards.
Are there any unique local programs or resources for childcare assistance or finding providers in Jackson, WI?
Yes, Jackson parents have several local resources. The primary resource is **Washington County Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)**, which is part of the nonprofit Community Care, Inc. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs. They can also provide information on the **Wisconsin Shares** childcare subsidy program for income-eligible families. Additionally, many Jackson providers participate in the state's **YoungStar** program, which rates quality and can help you compare options. For school-age care, the **Jackson Elementary School** may offer before/after-school programs or can refer you to local providers that service the school district. Checking local community boards at the Jackson Public Library or the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce can also surface smaller in-home providers.
What should I look for in a daycare that accommodates the seasonal weather and rural aspects of living in Jackson, WI?
Given Jackson's rural setting and distinct seasons, look for a daycare with a strong outdoor play policy and appropriate facilities. Ask about their **outdoor play schedule** in winter—they should have a policy for going outside in cold weather (with proper clothing) unless conditions are dangerous. Check if they have safe, shaded outdoor areas for summer. Inquire about their **transportation and field trip policies**, especially if they visit local farms or parks, to ensure vehicle safety. For winter, ask about their **emergency closure policy** for snow days and how they communicate delays. Also, consider the center's **location relative to major roads** like I-41 or State Highway 60, as your commute in winter weather could be a factor. A provider with a backup generator is a plus for maintaining heat and safety during power outages, which can be more common in rural areas.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Jackson: