The Best Daycare Centers in Mauston, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mauston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mauston
Little Badger Learning Center
Independent
Little Badger Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Mauston and surrounding communities. The center offers a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes early childhood development through play-based learning and structured curriculum. Their qualified staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and commitment to safety with secure entry systems and strict health protocols. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
While located in Fond du Lac, The Goddard School serves families throughout central Wisconsin with their nationally-recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum focuses on seven learning domains: creative expression, executive function, social-emotional development, literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive camera monitoring. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, STEAM labs, and spacious, well-equipped classrooms designed to stimulate young minds.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center serves families in the greater La Crosse area with a comprehensive early childhood education program that extends to Mauston families seeking quality care. The center employs a balanced approach combining structured academic preparation with creative exploration and social development. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and arts integration. The facility maintains excellent safety standards with secure access, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. Teachers are trained in early childhood development and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The center offers flexible scheduling options and provides healthy, balanced meals prepared on-site in their commercial kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mauston, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mauston, WI?
In Mauston, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Wisconsin cities like Madison or Milwaukee, but it's important to note that costs can be influenced by factors such as the provider's experience, the program's curriculum, and included amenities like meals or formula. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and inquiring about any potential registration or annual fees.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Mauston?
The primary resource for finding and verifying licensed childcare in Mauston is the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can use their online "YoungStar" Public Search tool to find licensed centers and family providers in Juneau County, filter by Mauston's zip code (53948), and view their YoungStar quality rating (1-5 stars). All licensed providers must meet state standards for health, safety, and staff training. You can also contact the Juneau County Department of Human Services or the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for personalized referrals. Always verify a provider's license status directly with the DCF and schedule an in-person visit to the facility.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Mauston, and how should I plan ahead?
Waitlists for infant care, in particular, are common at many licensed daycare centers in Mauston due to limited capacity and high demand for this age group. It is not unusual for popular centers to have a waitlist of 3 to 9 months. To plan ahead, we strongly recommend beginning your search and making inquiries during your pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typically $25-$50. In-home family providers may have more immediate openings, but it's still wise to start your search early. Staying in regular, polite contact with providers on your list can also improve your chances.
What local resources or financial assistance programs are available to help with childcare costs in Juneau County?
Families in Mauston may qualify for the Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy program, which helps low-income working families pay for licensed or certified care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work requirements. You can apply through the Juneau County Department of Human Services. Additionally, the state's "YoungStar" program rates providers, and using a 3-, 4-, or 5-star rated provider may offer access to higher subsidy reimbursement rates. For middle-income families, the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can provide some relief at tax time. Local organizations or employers sometimes offer referral services, but direct subsidies are primarily managed through the state and county systems.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Mauston, given the local community and environment?
When touring a daycare in Mauston, beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally relevant questions. Inquire about their policies for outdoor play given Wisconsin's variable weather—do they have adequate indoor gross motor space for cold or rainy days? Ask about their staff's longevity and local connections, as low turnover can indicate a stable environment. For centers, ask about their transportation and pick-up/drop-off procedures, especially if located near Highway 12/16. It's also wise to ask about their communication with parents, perhaps through apps like Brightwheel, and how they handle closures for local events like the Juneau County Fair or severe weather common to the region. Finally, always ask for references from current local families.