The Best Daycare Centers in Sherwood, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sherwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sherwood
Bright Horizons at Appleton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Appleton is a highly-regarded childcare center located approximately 10 miles from Sherwood, serving families throughout the Fox Valley region. The center follows the Bright Horizons World-Class Curriculum, which emphasizes language and literacy, math and science, social-emotional development, and creative arts. Their educated teaching staff includes certified early childhood professionals with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and extensive outdoor play areas. Parents particularly praise the center's communication systems, nutritious meal programs, and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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The Learning Experience - Appleton
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Appleton serves the Sherwood community with their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners and etiquette, and fitness programs. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Their highly qualified staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and receives continuous training in early childhood development. The facility includes dedicated learning centers, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently highlight the center's structured learning environment, excellent communication, and the visible developmental progress children make.
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ABC Early Learning Center
ABC Early Learning Centers
ABC Early Learning Center, located in nearby Appleton, serves families from Sherwood and surrounding communities with a comprehensive early childhood program. The center focuses on play-based learning while incorporating structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and physical development through hands-on activities. The facility features secure access controls, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials, and well-maintained outdoor play spaces. Staff members are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. Parents appreciate the center's family-like atmosphere, experienced teachers, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sherwood, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sherwood, WI?
In Sherwood and the surrounding Fox Valley area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $250 to $350 per week for infant care. For a licensed family/group daycare in a home setting, weekly rates are often slightly lower, ranging from $200 to $280. These costs are generally in line with the Wisconsin state average. It's important to note that prices may be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any potential registration or supply fees. Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (Wisconsin Shares) is available for eligible families in Calumet County to help offset these costs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Sherwood?
All licensed childcare providers in Sherwood, WI, are regulated by the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can use the official "YoungStar" and "Child Care Finder" tools on the DCF website. YoungStar is Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement system, where providers receive a rating from 1 to 5 Stars. This public database allows you to search for providers by location, view their Star rating, see their licensing status, and read recent licensing reports and any violations. For family daycare providers licensed for 8 or fewer children, you can also contact the Calumet County Human Services department for local resources and information. Always ask any potential provider for their license number to facilitate your search.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sherwood, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infant care, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in Sherwood and the greater Appleton area. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, particularly if you are seeking care for a newborn. For toddler or preschool-age spots, a 3-6 month lead time is more common but not guaranteed. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group? Exploring licensed family childcare homes can sometimes offer more immediate availability.
What are some of the local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Calumet County?
Parents in Sherwood have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is **Childcaring, Inc.**, a nonprofit Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency serving the Fox Valley region, including Calumet County. Their specialists provide free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Calumet County Human Services Department** can provide information on subsidy programs and local provider lists. For community-based insights, many parents use local Facebook groups (e.g., "Sherwood, WI Community" or "Fox Valley Moms") to ask for personal recommendations and experiences with area daycares.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Sherwood, WI?
Finding traditional part-time or drop-in daycare in Sherwood can be challenging, as most licensed centers and homes prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable staffing and revenue. However, options do exist. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer part-time schedules or "shared care" arrangements. It's crucial to inquire directly about flexibility. For occasional drop-in care, your best bets are typically larger centers in nearby cities like Appleton or Menasha that may offer such services. Alternatively, consider seeking a certified in-home babysitter or nanny share through local networks or reputable online care platforms, ensuring they meet any necessary local regulations for occasional care. Always verify the provider's credentials and insurance for your child's safety.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Sherwood: