The Best Daycare Centers in Mather, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mather. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mather
Little Angels Childcare Center
Independent
Little Angels Childcare Center is a highly-regarded facility serving the Mather area from nearby Tomah. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum focusing on early literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional learning. The center features experienced teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular parent communication, and nutritious meal programs. Their strong safety protocols and nurturing environment have earned them excellent parent satisfaction ratings.
Daycare Services:
Tomah KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Tomah KinderCare provides high-quality early childhood education serving families in the Mather region. As part of the national KinderCare network, they offer research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading programs, STEM activities, and creative arts. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, secure entry systems, and trained teachers with ongoing professional development. Their program includes regular developmental assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities. The facility maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the rural communities they serve.
Daycare Services:
Learning Tree Child Care Center
Independent
Learning Tree Child Care Center serves the Mather area from their Sparta location, offering a nature-inspired educational approach that incorporates outdoor learning and environmental awareness. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, project-based learning, and developmental milestones tracking. The center features qualified early childhood educators, modern security systems, and well-equipped classrooms with natural materials. They provide family-style meals with attention to nutrition and accommodate various dietary needs. The center is known for its strong community connections, regular family engagement events, and commitment to creating a warm, inclusive environment for children from surrounding rural communities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mather, WI
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Mather, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
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 childcare homes and group centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training (including CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention), and facility requirements. For Mather specifically, which is a small village, most options will be licensed family providers or potentially a small center. You can verify a provider's license status, view their latest monitoring reports, and check for any violations using the "YoungStar" search tool on the Wisconsin DCF website. It's a critical first step for any parent in the area.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in and around Mather, WI, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to Mather's rural location in Juneau County, licensed childcare slots can be limited, and waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact providers in Mather as well as in nearby larger towns like Necedah or Mauston. Get on multiple lists, even for options that are a backup. Follow up with providers every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Also, explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have more flexible availability than centers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mather, Wisconsin?
Childcare costs in rural Wisconsin like Mather are generally lower than state averages, but availability heavily influences price. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A licensed group center in a nearby town would likely be higher, ranging from $200 to $275 per week. These are estimates, and rates vary by provider, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to ask about any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups. Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (Wisconsin Shares) is available to income-eligible families in Juneau County to help offset these costs.
Are there any state or local programs in Wisconsin that help with daycare costs for families in Mather?
Yes, the primary program is **Wisconsin Shares**, a state-administered child care subsidy for working families meeting certain income requirements. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and need for care due to work or attending school. You apply through the Juneau County Department of Human Services. Additionally, Wisconsin's **YoungStar** quality rating system not only helps you choose a quality provider but also affects subsidy co-pays; higher-rated providers often mean lower parent co-pays. For Mather residents, it's also worth checking with local community organizations or churches, as they may occasionally offer assistance or operate preschool programs.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a potential daycare in a small community like Mather?
When visiting a provider in Mather, look beyond the basics. Observe how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? In a small community, ask about staff longevity and turnover; consistency is valuable. Check for safe, clean, and age-appropriate indoor and outdoor spaces. Given the rural setting, inquire about their plan for emergencies and severe weather, and how they handle potential isolation. Ask about their daily schedule, philosophy, and how they communicate with parents. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local families—in a small town, a provider's reputation is well-known. Trust your instincts about whether the environment feels warm, secure, and stimulating for your child.