The Best Daycare Centers in Lakewood, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakewood
KinderCare Learning Center at Green Bay East
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Green Bay East provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a balanced learning approach that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood certifications, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their curriculum includes hands-on activities and developmental milestone tracking, with nutritious meals and snacks provided. Parents praise the center's strong communication through daily reports and a dedicated app, along with inclusive environments that support diverse learning needs. The outdoor playground and indoor learning centers are designed to encourage physical activity and creative play.
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The Goddard School of Green Bay
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Green Bay is renowned for its FLEX Learning Program, which blends play-based and academic approaches to foster social, emotional, and cognitive development. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training, ensuring high-quality care. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and STEM labs. Safety protocols include strict sanitization procedures and electronic check-in systems. Parents highlight the school's excellent parent-teacher communication, cultural diversity initiatives, and flexible scheduling options. The curriculum incorporates music, art, and language enrichment, supported by a focus on individualized learning plans.
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Primrose School of Green Bay
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Green Bay offers the Balanced Learning® curriculum, which integrates character development with academic readiness through hands-on activities and guided play. The school employs experienced teachers with background checks and CPR certifications, maintaining low child-to-staff ratios. Facilities feature secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. The program includes a focus on healthy eating with chef-prepared meals and snacks. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's structured yet nurturing environment, strong emphasis on safety, and regular updates on child progress through an online portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakewood, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lakewood, WI, 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 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 a provider's license status in the Lakewood area, you can use the "YoungStar" public search tool on the Wisconsin DCF website. This tool not only confirms licensing but also shows the provider's YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars), which is a valuable indicator of program quality. You can also contact the local DCF licensing specialist for the North region for specific inquiries.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Lakewood, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Lakewood area, which is more rural compared to larger Wisconsin cities, costs can vary. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $650 to $850 per month for full-time care for a toddler. In-home family daycare is often slightly less, ranging from $550 to $750 monthly. These rates are generally lower than state averages but are subject to change. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's "Wisconsin Shares" child care subsidy program is available for eligible families based on income and work or education requirements. Additionally, the local Oconto County Department of Human Services can provide information on local resources and application assistance. Some providers may also offer sibling discounts.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Lakewood, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a smaller community like Lakewood, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-rated family providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$50). Follow up politely every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Mountain or Suring, and inquire about both centers and licensed family care to increase your options.
Are there any unique childcare options in Lakewood that incorporate the outdoor/nature-focused lifestyle of the area?
Yes, Lakewood's location in the Northwoods offers unique opportunities. Some local in-home providers and smaller centers emphasize outdoor play and nature-based learning, taking advantage of the surrounding forests and lakes. You may find providers with large, natural outdoor play spaces that go beyond standard playgrounds. Additionally, while not a traditional daycare, seasonal outdoor preschool or "forest school" programs may be available through local community education or private groups, often as a part-time enrichment option. It's important to ask providers specifically about their daily outdoor time philosophy and if they hold a "Nature Explore Classroom" certification or similar. The local Head Start program in Oconto County may also incorporate nature-based activities.
What resources are available in Lakewood to help me find and evaluate daycare options?
The primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Northeast Wisconsin**, which serves Oconto County. You can contact them via phone or their website for a personalized referral list of licensed providers in the Lakewood area. They can provide information on vacancies, rates, and program types. Another key tool is Wisconsin's **YoungStar website**, where you can search by zip code (54138) to see licensed providers' quality ratings and compliance history. Locally, the **Oconto County Public Health Department** may have information, and networking through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Lakewood, WI Community") or asking at the **Lakewood Area Community Center** can yield personal recommendations from other parents.