The Best Daycare Centers in Sturtevant, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sturtevant. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sturtevant
The Goddard School of Mount Pleasant
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Mount Pleasant offers a premier early childhood education program located just minutes from Sturtevant. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) blends academic learning with play-based development, focusing on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress through a proprietary mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Racine
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Kiddie Academy of Racine provides comprehensive educational childcare serving the Sturtevant area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pickup authorization protocols. Their curriculum includes Spanish language exposure, technology integration, and hands-on learning activities. The academy employs degreed early childhood educators and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parent communication is enhanced through their mobile app with real-time updates, photos, and daily reports.
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Tender Hearts Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Tender Hearts Childcare & Learning Center is a locally-owned facility serving Sturtevant families with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. The center focuses on developing the whole child through structured activities, free play, and hands-on learning experiences. Their security measures include coded entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The experienced teaching team includes caregivers with 10+ years in early childhood education and ongoing training in child development. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains small class sizes to ensure individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sturtevant, WI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sturtevant, WI?
In Sturtevant and the surrounding Racine County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $220 to $300 per week. Licensed family/group daycare homes in the area often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $180 and $260 per week. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (Wisconsin Shares) is available for eligible families in Racine County to help offset these expenses.
How can I verify the licensing and complaint history of a daycare provider in Sturtevant?
All regulated childcare providers in Sturtevant must be licensed by the State of Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families (DCF). The primary tool for verification is the **Wisconsin Child Care Finder** website. This public database allows you to search for providers by location, view their current license status (Regular, Provisional, or Probation), and see any serious licensing violations or non-compliance orders from the last two years. You can also contact the Southeast Regional DCF Licensing Office, which oversees Racine County, for more detailed history. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask the director for their most recent licensing report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sturtevant, and how far in advance should I apply?
Waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-rated daycare centers in Sturtevant and the greater Racine area. Due to high demand and strict infant-to-staff ratios, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months before your needed start date**, especially for infants. Some popular centers may have even longer waits. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), the timeline can be shorter, around 3-6 months. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Sturtevant?
While full-time programs are most common, part-time and flexible options do exist in the Sturtevant area. Several local daycare centers offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), though these spots are often limited and may cost a premium per day compared to a full-time weekly rate. For true drop-in or occasional care, your best bets are: 1. **Licensed Family Daycare Homes:** Some in-home providers offer more flexible hourly or daily rates. 2. **Local Gyms with Childcare:** Facilities like the Sturtevant Sportsplex or nearby YMCAs often have member-based drop-in care for limited hours. 3. **Nanny/Babysitter Networks:** Utilizing local Facebook groups (e.g., "Sturtevant, WI Community") or apps like Care.com to find sitters for irregular hours. Always confirm that any drop-in provider is properly licensed or certified in CPR/First Aid.
What resources are available in Sturtevant to help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
Parents in Sturtevant have several local and state resources: * **Racine County Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R):** A key local service that provides free, personalized referrals to licensed providers matching your needs (location, hours, budget). They can also guide you through the Wisconsin Shares subsidy application. * **Wisconsin YoungStar Quality Rating System:** This state program rates licensed providers on a 1 to 5-Star scale based on education, learning environment, professional practices, and business methods. Always check a provider's YoungStar rating on the Child Care Finder website; a 3-Star or higher rating indicates a commitment to quality. * **Local School Districts:** The Sturtevant area is served by multiple districts (like Unified School District of Mount Pleasant). Contacting their 4K or early childhood offices can provide leads on community-based preschool programs. * **Community Referrals:** Talk to other parents at local parks (like Charles G. Sturtevant Park) or through community groups for personal recommendations.
Childcare Insights for Sturtevant
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire for a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your child. For parents in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, the search for the "best childcare near me" involves navigating a mix of local options, each with its own unique character and strengths. The good news is that the Sturtevant and greater Racine County area offers a variety of quality choices, from licensed in-home providers to established childcare centers, allowing you to find a setting that aligns perfectly with your family's values and schedule.
A great starting point is to define what "best" means for you. Beyond the essential state licensing, consider your child's temperament. Does your little one thrive in a smaller, home-like setting, or would they benefit from the structured activities and social opportunities of a larger center? Many excellent in-home providers in Sturtevant neighborhoods offer personalized care with flexible hours, which can be ideal for shift workers at nearby logistics hubs or manufacturing plants. For a more program-based approach, several well-regarded centers are just a short drive away in neighboring communities like Mount Pleasant and Racine, offering curriculum-focused learning for various age groups.
Location and daily routine are paramount in a place like Sturtevant, where weather and commute play a role. Consider providers close to your home, your workplace, or along your regular route. The convenience of a provider near I-94 or Highway 11 can make morning drop-offs and evening pick-ups significantly less stressful. Don't underestimate the value of a visit; scheduling a tour is the single most important step. This allows you to observe the environment firsthand. Look for engaged, happy children and attentive caregivers. Notice the cleanliness, safety measures, and the availability of age-appropriate toys and books. Trust your instincts—you'll get a feel for the atmosphere immediately.
Building your local network is incredibly helpful. Talk to other parents at Sturtevant's community events, the public library, or local parks. Personal recommendations carry immense weight. Additionally, utilize the State of Wisconsin's official "YoungStar" childcare quality rating system. This resource provides detailed information on licensed providers, including their quality ratings (from 1 to 5 stars), inspection reports, and program details. A provider with a high YoungStar rating near Sturtevant has demonstrated a commitment to exceeding minimum standards in areas like learning environment, professional development, and family engagement.
Finally, remember that the best childcare feels like a partnership. The right provider will welcome open communication, provide daily updates about your child's activities and moods, and share your core philosophy on key issues like discipline, nutrition, and play. They will become an extension of your family, supporting your child's growth during these foundational years. By taking the time to research, visit, and ask detailed questions, you can find a wonderful childcare solution right here in our community that gives you peace of mind and your child a joyful place to learn and grow.