The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Francis, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Francis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Francis
The Goddard School of St. Francis
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in St. Francis offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily activity reports and regular conferences.
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Learning Edge Academy
Independent
Learning Edge Academy provides a structured yet nurturing environment with a focus on school readiness and whole-child development. Their curriculum blends play-based learning with structured academic activities, incorporating literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment, and dedicated learning centers in each classroom. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The academy offers nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for individualized attention.
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La Petite Academy of Cudahy
Learning Care Group
Located just minutes from St. Francis in neighboring Cudahy, La Petite Academy offers a research-based curriculum called Grow Fit® that focuses on healthy bodies, hungry minds, and happy hearts. Their program includes technology integration, Spanish language exposure, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, and dedicated art and music areas. Teachers implement the company's proprietary assessment system to track developmental milestones and customize learning experiences. The center provides balanced meals and snacks and maintains strong safety protocols including regular security drills and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Francis, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Saint Francis, WI, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Saint Francis, as in all of Wisconsin, childcare providers must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). There are several license types: Licensed Family Child Care (for homes caring for up to 8 children), Licensed Group Child Care (centers), and Certified Family Child Care (for up to 3 children under age 7). You can verify a provider's license status, view their monitoring history, and check for any violations through the DCF's "Child Care Finder" website or by calling their licensing specialist. It's crucial to ensure the provider is currently licensed and in good standing, as this confirms they meet state standards for safety, staff training, and program quality.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Francis, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Saint Francis and greater Milwaukee area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly. For infant care, parents can expect to pay an average of $250 to $350 per week at a licensed center, while licensed family daycare homes may range from $180 to $250 per week. Toddler care is typically slightly less. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Wisconsin Shares, the state's childcare subsidy program administered by Milwaukee County. Eligibility is based on income, work or school requirements, and family size. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Saint Francis, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, waitlists at many Saint Francis and South Shore area daycare centers can be substantial. It is not uncommon for popular, highly-rated centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infant rooms. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities early in the second trimester of pregnancy. Getting on multiple waitlists is a common strategy. For family child care homes, openings can arise more sporadically, so persistent checking and networking within local parent groups on social media can be effective.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Saint Francis that cater to non-traditional work schedules?
While most standard daycare centers in Saint Francis operate on a typical Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, options for evenings, weekends, or overnight care are limited but exist. Some licensed family child care providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the Milwaukee area. For reliable non-traditional care, parents often need to look at larger regional providers or specialized nanny services. We recommend using the "Search for Care" filters on the Wisconsin DCF website to specifically look for providers who list "2nd/3rd Shift" or "Weekend Care" as available options in the 53235 zip code and surrounding areas.
What resources are available in Saint Francis to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare program?
Beyond checking the state's licensing website, Saint Francis parents have several local resources. **YoungStar** is Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement system. You can look up any licensed provider's rating (1 to 5 stars) on the DCF website; a higher star rating indicates higher quality in areas like learning environment, professional development, and business practices. Additionally, the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency, 4C For Children, serves Milwaukee County. They offer free, personalized referrals, checklists for touring facilities, and guidance on what to look for in a quality program. Connecting with other parents through the "Saint Francis, WI Community" Facebook page can also provide valuable firsthand insights.
Nearby Cities
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