The Best Daycare Centers in Kimberly, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kimberly. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kimberly
Bright Horizons at Thedacare
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Thedacare provides comprehensive early education programs with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and dedicated outdoor play areas. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and a mobile app, nutritious meal programs, and inclusive environment. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum focuses on hands-on learning experiences that promote critical thinking and creativity.
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Apple Creek Early Learning Center
Apple Creek Development Centers
Apple Creek Early Learning Center offers a balanced educational approach combining structured learning with play-based activities. Their curriculum focuses on early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development through themed learning centers and project-based activities. The center employs certified early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios. Safety features include secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility includes modern classrooms, large outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents praise the center's warm environment and strong focus on individual child development.
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The Growing Tree Child Development Center
The Growing Tree LLC
The Growing Tree Child Development Center provides a comprehensive educational program that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Montessori-inspired hands-on learning activities. The center features experienced teaching staff with ongoing professional development and low teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include spacious classrooms organized into learning centers, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for gross motor activities. The center emphasizes character development, conflict resolution skills, and cultural awareness. Additional services include nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and progress tracking through developmental portfolios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kimberly, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Kimberly, WI?
In Kimberly and the surrounding Fox Cities area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $250 to $350 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around $220 to $300 per week. Licensed in-home family daycare providers often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $180 to $250 per week. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can fluctuate. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about what is included (meals, snacks, curriculum, etc.). Financial assistance may be available through Wisconsin Shares, the state's childcare subsidy program, for eligible families.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Kimberly is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Wisconsin are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can use the state's official "YoungStar" website and provider search tool. This public database allows you to search for providers in Kimberly (54944) by name or location. For each listing, you can view their YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars), their licensing status, and any recent non-compliance statements or violations. You can also contact the Northeast Regional DCF Licensing Office, which oversees Outagamie County, for additional information. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Kimberly, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand in the Fox Cities region, it is common for popular daycare centers and highly-rated in-home providers in Kimberly to have waitlists, especially for infant spots. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3-6 month lead time is still recommended. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update families on position, and estimated timelines. Exploring multiple options, including providers in neighboring communities like Appleton or Combined Locks, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family (in-home) daycare in Kimberly?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. **Daycare Centers** (like those in Kimberly or nearby Appleton) are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, several staff members, and structured educational curricula. They often have stricter staff-to-child ratios mandated by the state and may offer more amenities. **Licensed Family Daycares** operate out of the provider's home, offering a smaller, family-like environment with mixed-age groups. This can be beneficial for siblings and may offer more flexible hours. Both types are licensed and inspected by the state, but their atmospheres differ significantly. Your choice may depend on your child's temperament, your need for flexibility, and your preference for a home-like versus a more institutional setting.
What resources are available in Kimberly to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Northeast Wisconsin**, which is operated by Achieve Brown County. They serve Outagamie County (including Kimberly) and offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). They can also guide you through the YoungStar quality ratings and explain financial assistance programs. Additionally, the **Kimberly Public Library** may have community bulletin boards with provider information, and local Facebook groups (e.g., "Kimberly, WI Community" or parent-specific groups) are often used by parents to share personal recommendations and experiences with area daycares.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Kimberly: