The Best Daycare Centers in Lebanon, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lebanon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lebanon
Watertown Child Care Center
Watertown Child Care Center
Watertown Child Care Center is a highly-regarded facility serving the Lebanon area with comprehensive early childhood education programs. They employ state-certified teachers and maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning, structured activities, and STEAM education. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise their experienced staff, clean environment, and strong communication about child progress and daily activities.
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The Learning Experience - Oconomowoc
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Oconomowoc serves families throughout the Lebanon region with their nationally-recognized educational approach. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social development through interactive learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, highly qualified early childhood educators, and comprehensive enrichment programs including phonics, foreign language exposure, and manners/values education. Parents appreciate the structured yet nurturing environment, regular progress updates, and the center's commitment to preparing children for academic success.
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Watertown KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Watertown KinderCare provides high-quality early childhood education serving the Lebanon community with research-based curriculum and experienced teaching staff. Their program focuses on whole-child development through hands-on learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The center maintains strict safety protocols including secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive staff training. Features include age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently note the caring, qualified teachers and the center's ability to create a nurturing, educational environment that supports each child's individual development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lebanon, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lebanon, WI, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Lebanon, Wisconsin, all group childcare centers and family daycare homes (caring for 4 or more children) must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training, and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license status, view any past violations, and read licensing reports through the DCF's "Child Care Finder" website or by contacting the DCF's Southeast Regional Office, which oversees Sheboygan County. It's highly recommended to check this public record before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Lebanon area?
Childcare costs in Lebanon and surrounding Sheboygan County are generally lower than in major Wisconsin metros but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for full-time infant care. Family daycare homes may range from $150 to $210 per week. Costs typically decrease slightly for older toddlers. It's important to inquire about what's included (meals, diapers, curriculum) and to ask about the Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy program to see if your family qualifies for financial assistance based on income.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available near Lebanon, given its rural setting?
Yes, Lebanon's rural and agricultural setting provides opportunities for nature-focused childcare. While specific "forest school" programs may be more common in larger cities, several local family daycare providers and some centers incorporate substantial outdoor playtime, gardens, and interactions with farm animals. It's a key question to ask during tours. Additionally, some providers in the neighboring communities or through the Sheboygan Area School District's 4K programs may partner with local farms for educational outings. Checking with providers in the smaller towns around Lebanon (like Plymouth or Kiel) may yield more specialized outdoor programs within a short drive.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lebanon, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Lebanon, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded family daycare homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search during pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool-age openings, waitlists may be shorter (3-6 months). When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist length, their policy for securing a spot (e.g., deposit), and how often they update families on their position.
What resources are available in Sheboygan County to help me find and evaluate childcare options near Lebanon?
The primary local resource is **Childcaring, Inc.**, the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Sheboygan County. They maintain a database of licensed providers, offer personalized referrals based on your needs (hours, location, budget), and can provide guidance on evaluating quality. Their services are free. You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Sheboygan County United Way** and local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Lebanon, WI Community") are valuable for getting personal recommendations and experiences from other parents in the area. Always cross-reference any informal recommendations with the official DCF licensing check.
Childcare Insights for Lebanon
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re searching for “infant daycare near me” in Lebanon, Wisconsin, you’re likely seeking a nurturing, safe, and reliable environment close to home. The good news is that the Lebanon community and the surrounding areas offer several wonderful options, each with its own unique approach to those precious first years. Starting your search locally means you can find a place that feels like an extension of your family, right here in our tight-knit Sheboygan County town.
When looking specifically for infant care in Lebanon, it’s important to consider the logistics that matter most to daily life here. A daycare’s proximity to your home, your workplace in Sheboygan or Fond du Lac, or even near major routes like State Highway 32 can make those morning and evening transitions smoother. Visiting a center during what would be your commute time can give you a real sense of the travel involved. Many local providers understand the rhythms of our community, from seasonal events to school schedules, which can create a more cohesive experience for your family. Don’t hesitate to ask about how they might accommodate the occasional late pick-up if you’re delayed by a winter drive or a commitment in Plymouth or New Holstein.
The cornerstone of excellent infant daycare is a low caregiver-to-child ratio. Wisconsin licensing requirements are a good baseline, but the best centers in our area often exceed them, ensuring your baby gets plenty of individual attention. During your visits, observe how staff interact with the infants. Look for caregivers who are on the floor engaging, talking, and responding to cues. Inquire about their experience and ongoing training, particularly in infant development and safety. A structured yet flexible daily routine that includes tummy time, reading, and outdoor stroller walks (weather permitting in our beautiful Wisconsin seasons) is a positive sign. Ask about their policies on feeding, napping, and how they communicate with you throughout the day, perhaps through an app or a daily log sheet.
Finally, trust your instincts during tours. The right place will feel warm, secure, and welcoming. Notice the cleanliness and safety of the infant room, check for secure sleeping areas, and see if the overall atmosphere is calm and happy. Talk to other Lebanon parents at the park or community events; personal recommendations are invaluable. Finding infant daycare is about partnership. You want a provider in Lebanon who will cherish your baby’s milestones, from that first smile to those early steps, and who will work with you as a team. Taking the time to find this fit will give you priceless peace of mind as you navigate the joys of parenthood right here in our community.