The Best Daycare Centers in Suring, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Suring. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Suring
Suring Kids Club
Suring School District
Suring Kids Club operates as part of the Suring School District, providing comprehensive childcare services with strong educational foundations. The program focuses on school-aged children with before/after school care and extensive summer programming. Staff are certified educators and childcare professionals who integrate educational activities with recreational programming. The facility utilizes school resources including gymnasiums, playgrounds, and classroom spaces. What makes this program stand out is its seamless integration with the local school system, providing consistency for children and convenient location for parents in the Suring community.
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Gillett Children's Learning Center
Independent
Located approximately 15 miles from Suring, Gillett Children's Learning Center serves families throughout Oconto County with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and implements age-appropriate learning activities. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. What distinguishes this center is their commitment to individualized learning plans and strong parent communication systems, making them a trusted choice for families in the region.
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Oconto Falls Child Care Center
Independent
Serving the broader Oconto County area including Suring families, Oconto Falls Child Care Center has built an excellent reputation over nearly two decades of operation. The center offers a comprehensive educational approach with developmentally appropriate curriculum across all age groups. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who provide nurturing care while focusing on kindergarten readiness. The facility features modern security systems, nutritious meal programs, and well-equipped learning spaces. What makes this center exceptional is their strong emphasis on community involvement and their proven track record of preparing children for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Suring, WI
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Suring, Wisconsin?
In Suring and the surrounding Oconto County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. The most common are Family Child Care (FCC) programs, which are home-based settings run by a certified provider for up to 8 children. These are popular in rural communities like Suring for their smaller, home-like environments. You may also find some Group Child Care centers, though these are less common locally and may require travel to nearby larger towns like Oconto Falls or Gillett. Finally, there are public school-based 4K programs for four-year-olds, which are often part-day and may require supplemental childcare. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) maintains a searchable online database called "YoungStar" where you can verify a provider's license, location, and quality rating.
How can I check if a daycare provider in Suring is properly licensed and what should I look for in their YoungStar rating?
All regulated childcare providers in Wisconsin must be licensed by the DCF. You can verify a Suring provider's status by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the DCF website or by calling the Northeast Regional DCF office. Crucially, you should also check their YoungStar rating, Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement system. Ratings range from 1 Star (meets minimum health and safety standards) to 5 Stars (exceeds expectations and demonstrates high-quality practices). In a smaller community like Suring, many providers may be 2 or 3 Star rated, which is typical for quality home-based programs. A higher star rating often reflects more provider education, better learning environments, and stronger business practices. Always ask the provider directly about their current rating and any quality improvement plans they are working on.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Suring, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Suring are generally lower than state averages but can vary based on the child's age and program type. For a full-time slot in a licensed family childcare home, expect to pay between $130 and $180 per week per child. Infant care is typically at the higher end of that range. While costs are moderate, they can still be a significant portion of a family's budget. Financial help is available through Wisconsin Shares, the state's childcare subsidy program for eligible working families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or training requirements. You can apply through the Oconto County Department of Human Services. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts, which is worth inquiring about directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare providers in Suring, and how far in advance should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small, rural town like Suring, waitlists are very common, especially for infant and toddler care. A single family childcare home may only have one or two openings for children under two years old at any given time. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current capacity, anticipated openings, and the process for getting on a waitlist (e.g., if there's a fee or a need to check in periodically). Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances. Also, consider expanding your search to providers in neighboring communities like Breed or Mountain if you are willing to commute.
What are some local resources or networks in Oconto County to help me find and evaluate childcare in the Suring area?
Your primary local resource is the **Childcaring, Inc.** agency, which is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serving Northeast Wisconsin, including Oconto County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in your area and can help you understand quality indicators. You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Oconto County Public Health Department** can provide information on health and safety regulations. For informal recommendations, connecting with other parents through the Suring School District, local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Suring, WI Community"), or places like the Suring Public Library can be invaluable for getting firsthand experiences with local providers.
Childcare Insights for Suring
Finding quality, reliable childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and for parents in Suring, Wisconsin, the search for "daycare near me" comes with its own unique community considerations. Nestled in Oconto County, Suring offers a close-knit, rural atmosphere where word-of-mouth recommendations and local connections are invaluable. Your search likely goes beyond just availability; it’s about finding a nurturing environment that feels like an extension of your family’s values, right here in our own town.
Begin your search by tapping into the local networks that make Suring special. Talk to other parents at the Suring Area Public Library during story time, or ask for insights from your neighbors. Often, the best-kept secrets in small towns are the licensed in-home daycare providers who offer a cozy, family-style setting. These providers can be a wonderful fit, providing flexible hours that might better accommodate the schedules of families involved in local agriculture or shift work common to the area. Don’t hesitate to drive through our neighborhoods; a small sign in a yard is often the first clue to a potential childcare solution just down the road.
While options directly within Suring village limits may be more limited than in larger cities, expanding your search to the surrounding Oconto County area is a practical step. Communities like Gillett, Mountain, and even as far as Oconto Falls are common commutes for work and services, and they may host licensed childcare centers or additional in-home providers. When considering these options, factor in your daily route. A provider located along Highway 32 or County Road S, for instance, might seamlessly fit into your commute to Shawano or Green Bay. Remember, in our region, weather is a genuine factor; a shorter, more manageable drive during a Wisconsin winter can make all the difference in your peace of mind.
Once you have a few potential names, your visit is crucial. Look for a clean, safe space where children are engaged, not just supervised. Ask about their daily rhythm—does it include outdoor play, which is so important for kids in our beautiful Northwoods setting? Inquire about their policies for school closures, especially during our heavy snowfalls, and how they communicate with parents. A provider who understands the flow of life in Suring, from the excitement of the Suring Labor Day Celebration to the quiet of a snowy day, will inherently provide more relatable care. Trust your instincts as a parent; you know the values you want instilled in your child.
Finally, utilize Wisconsin’s official resources. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website allows you to search for licensed providers by zip code and review their licensing history. This state oversight provides a vital baseline of safety and quality. Finding the right daycare in Suring is about blending this formal assurance with the informal trust built within our community. With patience and local insight, you can find a caring place where your child will thrive, giving you confidence as you go about your day in our wonderful part of Wisconsin.