The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon
Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House
Sunshine House offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a research-based curriculum that focuses on school readiness. Their facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmental appropriate practices with small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and creative arts components.
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Kiddie Academy of Delavan
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy provides a structured educational environment with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic learning with character development. The center features secure access controls, modern classrooms with educational technology, and dedicated outdoor learning spaces. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities while maintaining comprehensive safety protocols and health standards.
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Walworth County Head Start
Community Action Inc. of Rock and Walworth Counties
Walworth County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services with a focus on school readiness for children from low-income families. The program employs degreed teachers and follows the Creative Curriculum with emphasis on literacy, math, and social skills development. Services include health screenings, nutritional meals, and family engagement activities. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation standards with small class sizes and individualized learning approaches. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged through volunteer opportunities and educational workshops.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon, WI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sharon, Wisconsin, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Sharon, Wisconsin, all group and family child care centers must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). This involves meeting strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training (including SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention), facility safety, and ongoing professional development. Family child care providers caring for up to 8 children must also be certified. To verify a provider's licensing status, history of violations, or complaint history, you can use the "Child Care Finder" tool on the Wisconsin DCF website. This public database is crucial for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and compliant facility in the Sharon area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sharon, WI, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Sharon and the surrounding Walworth County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $700 and $950 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of care (center-based vs. in-home), specific program offerings, and the provider's hours. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's "Wisconsin Shares" child care subsidy program is available for eligible low-income working families. Additionally, you can contact the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Walworth County, which can provide guidance on subsidies, tax credits, and other local resources to help manage childcare costs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Sharon, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited provider options in a smaller community like Sharon, waitlists for infant spots at licensed centers can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. To improve your chances, it's highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy for infant care. Be proactive: visit centers, complete all pre-registration paperwork, and maintain periodic contact (every 2-3 months) to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Walworth or Delavan for more options.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Sharon, WI?
Sharon, being a smaller village, offers a mix of childcare settings. The most common options are: 1) **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often run in a provider's residence, offering a home-like environment for smaller groups of children. 2) **Licensed Group Child Care Centers:** These are less frequent within Sharon itself but may be found in neighboring communities. 3) **Public School 4K Programs:** The Sharon Joint School District typically offers a 4-year-old kindergarten program, which may be part-day and often requires wrap-around childcare. Due to the rural nature, in-home nannies or shared nanny arrangements are also considerations, though they are privately arranged and not licensed by the state.
Are there any unique seasonal or agricultural considerations for childcare in Sharon, given its location in a farming community?
Yes, Sharon's agricultural setting can impact childcare. Some providers may offer more flexible or extended hours during key farming seasons (like planting and harvest) to accommodate families with non-traditional work schedules. It's important to ask providers directly about their hours and flexibility. Additionally, many programs incorporate nature-based and outdoor play, taking advantage of the rural environment. However, availability can sometimes be tighter in summer if providers take vacations or if school-age siblings are home, so planning for summer care well in advance is advised. Local community boards or churches can sometimes be good resources for finding seasonal or short-term care solutions tailored to the farming community's rhythms.