The Best Daycare Centers in Silver Lake, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Silver Lake. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Silver Lake
Salem Child Care Center
Independent
Salem Child Care Center offers a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's commitment to individualized child development.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy provides a well-rounded early childhood education program focusing on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with hands-on learning activities, music, art, and physical education. The center boasts state-certified teachers, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. The facility features bright, stimulating classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. Parents highlight the center's engaging educational activities, experienced staff, and welcoming family atmosphere.
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Kiddie Kare Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kare Learning Center offers a balanced approach to early childhood education with emphasis on both academic preparation and social development. Their program includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators and implements strict safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills. Facilities include modern classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and well-maintained outdoor play spaces. The center is noted for its nutritious meal program, consistent communication with parents, and positive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Silver Lake, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Silver Lake, WI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Silver Lake and the surrounding Kenosha County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $225 to $275 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower at $200 to $250 per week. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds often cost $150 to $220 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Wisconsin cities like Milwaukee but can vary based on the provider's licensing type (family vs. group center) and included amenities. For financial assistance, Wisconsin's statewide **Wisconsin Shares** childcare subsidy program is available to eligible families based on income and work requirements. Additionally, local organizations like the **Kenosha County Job Center** can provide guidance on applying. Some Silver Lake providers may also offer sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How do I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Silver Lake, Wisconsin?
All licensed childcare providers in Silver Lake must be regulated by the State of Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families (DCF). The most reliable way to verify a license and view recent inspection reports is to use the state's official **Wisconsin Child Care Regulatory System (WISCCRS) website**. You can search by provider name, city (Silver Lake), or zip code. This public database will show the provider's license type (Certified Family, Licensed Family, or Licensed Group Center), capacity, any serious violations or non-compliance issues, and the date of their last monitoring visit. It's a critical step for parents to ensure the facility meets state standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Silver Lake, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Silver Lake's smaller, community-oriented size, high-quality providers often have limited spots and can experience waitlists, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care, and if you're expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. While some larger centers in nearby towns like Salem or Paddock Lake may have more capacity, in-home family providers in Silver Lake itself often have very small enrollments (6-8 children) and fill up quickly through word-of-mouth. Proactively contacting multiple providers and asking about their specific waitlist policies and estimated timelines is essential.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the village of Silver Lake?
Parents in Silver Lake primarily have three types of licensed options. First, **Licensed Family Child Care**: These are in-home providers caring for up to 8 children (with specific age mix rules); they are common in residential areas and offer a home-like setting. Second, **Certified Family Child Care**: Similar but for up to 6 children, often with a slightly different set of regulations. Third, **Licensed Group Child Care Centers**: These are less common within the village limits itself but may be found in nearby communities; they operate in commercial buildings with larger staff and more structured programs. There are also a limited number of **public school 4K programs** for 4-year-olds, which may be offered through the local Wilmot Union High School district in partnership with community providers.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Silver Lake, and are there any local resources to help with the selection process?
During a tour, look beyond the basics: observe how staff interact with children, check for secure outdoor play areas (important in a rural/lakeside community), ask about their plan for severe weather, and inquire about their policies for taking children on local outings (e.g., to Community Park or the lakefront). Specifically ask about their emergency preparedness for a community served by a volunteer fire department. For local selection help, utilize **4C for Children - Wisconsin**, a resource and referral agency that serves Kenosha County. They can provide free, personalized lists of licensed providers in the Silver Lake area. Also, connect with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Silver Lake, WI Community") for firsthand recommendations and experiences with specific providers.