The Best Daycare Centers in Mountain, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mountain. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mountain
Oconto Falls Child Care Center
Independent
Oconto Falls Child Care Center serves the Mountain area with a comprehensive early childhood education program that emphasizes developmental milestones and school readiness. The center features a play-based learning curriculum with structured activities in literacy, math, and social-emotional development. All lead teachers hold Early Childhood Education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and a large outdoor playground with natural elements. Parents praise the center's consistent communication, nutritious meal program, and warm, nurturing environment that helps children build confidence and independence.
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Crivitz Kid's World Learning Center
Independent
Crivitz Kid's World Learning Center provides quality childcare services to families in the Mountain region with a focus on whole-child development. The center implements a Creative Curriculum approach that balances structured learning with child-directed exploration. Features include STEM activities, music and movement programs, and outdoor nature exploration. The facility maintains enhanced security systems with keypad entry and comprehensive safety protocols. Staff members receive ongoing professional development in early childhood best practices. The center is particularly noted for its flexible scheduling options and strong parent partnerships through daily communication and regular progress updates.
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Gillett Early Learning Center
Gillett School District
Gillett Early Learning Center operates as part of the Gillett School District, serving Mountain area families with a school-integrated approach to early childhood education. The center features a research-based curriculum aligned with Wisconsin Early Learning Standards, preparing children for seamless transition to kindergarten. Special programs include early literacy intervention, social skills development, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. The facility includes dedicated infant and toddler wings, multipurpose activity rooms, and secure outdoor play areas. Parents consistently rate the center highly for its qualified teaching staff, comprehensive safety measures, and strong emphasis on building foundational academic and social skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mountain, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Mountain, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Wisconsin, all group and family child care centers must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes facilities in Mountain. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training (including CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention), and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status, view any past violations, and see their licensed capacity by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the Wisconsin DCF website. It's highly recommended to check this public database before enrolling your child, as it provides the most current compliance information.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Mountain, WI area?
Childcare costs in Mountain and the surrounding rural areas of Oconto County are generally lower than in major Wisconsin cities like Milwaukee or Madison, but availability can be limited. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $250 per week for a toddler in a licensed family daycare setting. Center-based care, which is less common in small towns like Mountain, may range from $200 to $300 per week. Infant care typically costs 10-20% more due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It's important to inquire about what's included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and supplies.
Are there any state or local programs in Wisconsin that can help with the cost of childcare for families in Mountain?
Yes, Wisconsin offers the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible low-income working families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, schooling). You can apply through the Oconto County Department of Human Services. Additionally, you may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your income taxes. For local resources, contacting the Oconto County Family Resource Center or the Northwoods Alliance for Children & Families can provide guidance on available support specific to the region.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers or popular in-home providers in a small town like Mountain, and what can I do to secure a spot?
In a rural community like Mountain, where options are fewer, waitlists for the most sought-after providers—especially for infant care—can be significant, often ranging from 6 months to over a year. It is crucial to begin your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers, including licensed family daycares in neighboring towns like Suring or Lakewood. Get on multiple waitlists, even if you have a preferred choice, and follow up with providers every few months to express continued interest. Building a relationship with a provider can sometimes move you up the list.
What are some unique considerations for childcare in a rural area like Mountain, WI, regarding hours, transportation, and emergency preparedness?
Childcare in rural Mountain presents specific considerations. First, operating hours may be less flexible than in urban centers, with many providers adhering strictly to 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM schedules. Second, transportation is almost always the parent's responsibility; busing or center-provided transport is extremely rare. You must plan for the drive, which could be several miles if using a provider in a neighboring town. Finally, due to the area's remoteness and potential for severe winter weather, inquire about the provider's emergency and weather closure policies, their backup generator status, and their plan for communication and reunification during events like power outages or snowstorms.