The Best Daycare Centers in Kendall, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kendall. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kendall
Apple Tree Children's Center
Apple Tree Children's Center
Apple Tree Children's Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive surveillance. Their curriculum incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. All lead teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and spacious classrooms with natural lighting. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and offer nutritious meals prepared in their on-site kitchen.
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Little Spartans Childcare
Little Spartans Childcare
Little Spartans Childcare focuses on developmental milestones through a structured yet flexible curriculum that balances academic preparation with social skills development. The center utilizes the Creative Curriculum system and incorporates nature-based learning in their outdoor classroom spaces. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular emergency drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The teaching team includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant/toddler development. Facilities feature modern learning centers, large motor skill development areas, and separate playgrounds for different age groups. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular developmental assessments.
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The Learning Center at Viterbo
Viterbo University
The Learning Center at Viterbo University offers a research-based early childhood program that serves as a lab school for Viterbo's education department. Their curriculum emphasizes emergent literacy, mathematical thinking, and social-emotional learning through project-based approaches. The center benefits from university resources including access to educational specialists, modern facilities, and ongoing research in child development. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. The program maintains NAEYC accreditation standards with enhanced safety protocols including health screening procedures and secure facility access. Classrooms are designed as learning environments with natural materials, literacy-rich spaces, and developmentally appropriate learning centers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kendall, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kendall, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Wisconsin, all childcare providers caring for four or more children under age 7 must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family daycare homes and group 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 of a provider in Kendall, you can use the DCF's "Child Care Finder" website or call their licensing specialist for the region. It's crucial to check for any licensing violations or conditional statuses. For very small in-home care (3 or fewer children), providers may be legally unlicensed but can choose to become certified, which involves background checks and some basic training.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Kendall, WI, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Kendall area and surrounding Juneau County, full-time daycare costs can vary. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $175 to $225 per week for an infant/toddler. A licensed family daycare home may range from $140 to $185 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Wisconsin cities but can be a significant portion of a household budget. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (also called Wisconsin Shares) helps eligible low-income working families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work requirements. You can apply through the Juneau County Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in and around Kendall, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the rural nature of Kendall and limited provider options, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be long—often 6 to 12 months or more. It's common for popular centers in nearby towns like Elroy or Mauston to also have significant waitlists. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers (both centers and licensed homes), get on their waitlists, and follow up every few months. Be flexible with start dates if possible. Exploring options in neighboring communities can increase your chances. Building a relationship with a provider by visiting and expressing genuine interest can sometimes help.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Kendall area?
For school-age children attending the Royall School District (which serves Kendall), organized before and after-school care is limited. The school district itself may not offer a dedicated program. Your primary options will be licensed family childcare homes that accept school-age children and provide transportation to/from Royall Elementary. Some in-home providers offer care specifically for before and after school hours. It's important to inquire about transportation arrangements and costs. Another option is to coordinate with other families for a nanny share or a private babysitter. Checking community boards at the Kendall Public Library or the Royall School can sometimes lead to finding smaller, informal networks.
Are there any unique seasonal or agricultural considerations for childcare in Kendall, given its rural setting?
Yes, Kendall's location in a farming community can impact childcare. During peak agricultural seasons (like planting in spring and harvest in fall), some family providers who are part of farm families may have adjusted hours or limited availability. It's important to ask potential providers about their seasonal schedule. Conversely, some providers may offer more flexible hours for families involved in agriculture. Additionally, many childcare programs incorporate the rural environment into their learning, with outdoor play and nature-based activities being a strong focus. Be sure to ask about outdoor safety protocols, especially regarding proximity to farm equipment or roads. The local 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs may also have resources or recommendations for childcare sympathetic to agricultural work schedules.