The Best Daycare Centers in Marshall, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marshall. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marshall
The Learning Garden Child Development Center
The Learning Garden
The Learning Garden offers a comprehensive educational program with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. The facility features secure access systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and extensive outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The center is known for its warm, nurturing environment and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Creative Kids Learning Centers
Creative Kids Learning Center implements a research-based curriculum that combines academic preparation with creative expression and social development. Their qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. They offer enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish language exposure. The facility includes multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups and emphasizes STEM learning through hands-on activities and exploration.
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Kiddie Academy of Sun Prairie
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy provides a structured educational program through their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The center maintains high safety standards with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Certified teachers create engaging learning environments with technology integration and hands-on learning stations. The facility includes dedicated spaces for different age groups, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and a commercial kitchen providing healthy meals. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through their proprietary communication app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marshall, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marshall, Wisconsin?
In Marshall and the surrounding Dane County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. For a licensed family/group home daycare, costs are often slightly lower, typically ranging from $900 to $1,300 per month. These rates are generally in line with the broader south-central Wisconsin region. It's important to note that costs for preschool-age children (3-5 years) are usually 10-20% less. Many providers in Marshall participate in the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program, which can help eligible families with costs. Always ask providers for a detailed breakdown of what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, supplies).
How do I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Marshall, WI?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Marshall is the "YoungStar" directory maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can search online by zip code (53559) to find licensed centers and family providers in Marshall, Waterloo, and nearby communities. Each listing shows the provider's YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars), licensing history, and capacity. To verify a provider's current license status and review any past violations, you can use the DCF's "Child Care Regulation" lookup tool. Additionally, the Dane County Parent Council can offer local referrals. Always visit a potential provider in person to see the environment and ask for references from other Marshall-area parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Marshall, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at licensed daycare centers in Marshall, due to high demand and limited slots. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally 6-12 months before your needed start date. For popular centers affiliated with employers in nearby Sun Prairie or Madison, waitlists can be 12-18 months long. Family childcare homes in Marshall may have shorter or more flexible waitlists, but they also fill quickly. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should I check in? Do they offer priority for siblings? Exploring options in neighboring towns like Waterloo or Deerfield can also increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in the Marshall area?
Structured part-time and drop-in childcare options are limited within Marshall itself, as most licensed providers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable staffing and revenue. However, some family daycare homes may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week) based on availability. For occasional drop-in care, your best bets are facilities in larger nearby cities like Sun Prairie or Madison, which may have dedicated drop-in centers or gyms with childcare. Another local resource to explore is the Marshall Community Center or the Marshall Public Library, which may offer parent-child programming that provides short-term respite. For consistent part-time needs, networking with other parents for nanny-shares is a common strategy in the area.
What should I look for in a daycare provider specific to the Marshall community and Wisconsin regulations?
Beyond checking a provider's Wisconsin DCF license and YoungStar rating, look for local community engagement and preparedness. In Marshall, consider how a provider handles seasonal activities—like utilizing outdoor spaces safely and planning for Wisconsin's variable weather. Ask about their emergency plans for severe storms or winter travel. Wisconsin regulations require specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), background checks, and ongoing training. Ensure your provider meets and exceeds these. Also, inquire about their connection to the Marshall School District for smooth transitions into 4K programs. A strong provider will understand the needs of a semi-rural community, possibly incorporating local farm visits or nature-based learning, and will have clear communication protocols for things like local road closures or events.