The Best Daycare Centers in Princeton, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Princeton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Princeton
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is Princeton's premier early childhood education facility, offering a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood certifications and maintains exceptionally low teacher-to-child ratios. Their play-based learning approach incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts in purpose-built classrooms. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention to each child's needs, and nutritious meal program. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills.
Daycare Services:
Green Lake Child Care Center
Independent
Located just 7 miles from Princeton in neighboring Green Lake, this highly-regarded center serves families throughout the Princeton area. Green Lake Child Care Center emphasizes a whole-child development approach with curriculum aligned to Wisconsin Early Learning Standards. The center features dedicated infant rooms with primary caregiver assignments, structured preschool programs with certified teachers, and engaging school-age activities. Their facility includes modern classrooms, a commercial kitchen providing healthy meals and snacks, and secure outdoor playgrounds divided by age groups. The center is noted for its experienced staff with low turnover, comprehensive security systems, and strong parent partnerships through regular progress updates and family events.
Daycare Services:
Kinder Kare Learning Center
Independent
Serving the broader Princeton region from nearby Berlin (approximately 12 miles away), Kinder Kare Learning Center has built an outstanding reputation for quality early childhood education over nearly two decades. The center offers a research-based curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Montessori-inspired hands-on learning. Their qualified teaching staff includes professionals with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility features age-specific learning environments, extensive educational materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. Parents consistently highlight the center's exceptional communication, individualized learning plans, and focus on preparing children for kindergarten success through literacy-rich activities and social skill development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Princeton, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Princeton, WI?
In Princeton and the surrounding Green Lake County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. Licensed family daycare homes typically range from $150 to $225 per week for full-time care. Licensed group centers or preschool programs in the area may charge between $180 and $260 per week. These rates are generally lower than state urban averages but have increased in recent years. It's important to note that infant care is often the most expensive tier. Parents should inquire about what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, supplies) and ask about any registration or annual fees. Financial assistance may be available through Wisconsin Shares, the state's childcare subsidy program, for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Princeton is properly licensed and what should I look for in their state record?
All licensed childcare providers in Wisconsin are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history by using the "YoungStar" public search tool on the DCF website. When looking up a Princeton provider, pay close attention to their YoungStar rating (a quality rating system from 1 to 5 stars), any recent licensing violations, and the dates of their last monitoring visits. You can also contact the DCF's Northeast Regional Office for the Green Lake County area. Additionally, it's a good practice to ask the provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent licensing report posted at their facility, as required by law.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Princeton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of licensed providers in a rural community like Princeton, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, in particular, can be common and lengthy. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search at least 6 to 9 months before they need care. For popular centers or highly-rated family providers, you may need to get on a list even earlier. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their current waitlist: the estimated wait time, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated. Exploring options in nearby towns like Green Lake or Berlin can also increase your chances of finding timely care.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare in the Princeton area?
Regular part-time and drop-in care can be challenging to find in Princeton, as most licensed providers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable staffing and income. However, some family childcare homes may offer part-time slots or shared arrangements. For true drop-in or emergency care, your best local resources are often informal networks. Check with the Princeton Public Library for parent groups or community boards, and inquire at local churches which may run occasional parent's day out programs. For backup care, some families in the area arrange nanny-shares or use trusted online caregiver platforms, expanding their search to include Oshkosh or Fond du Lac for more service options. There are no dedicated drop-in childcare centers in Princeton itself.
What resources are available in Princeton to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare is Wisconsin's "Child Care Finder" tool online. For localized, personal assistance, parents can contact the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Green Lake County, which is typically 4-C (Community Coordinated Child Care) for this region. They can provide customized referrals, information on availability, and guidance on quality indicators. Locally, the **Princeton School District** office may have information about preschool and before/after-school care programs. The **Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce** might also maintain a list of local businesses, including daycare providers. Finally, connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Princeton, WI Community") is an invaluable way to get firsthand recommendations and insights.