The Best Daycare Centers in Wausau, WI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wausau. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wausau
Bright Horizons at Aspirus
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Aspirus offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features state-of-the-art facilities with dedicated infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The center includes secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Wausau
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Wausau location provides a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The center offers age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated spaces for each developmental stage. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, and STEM activities. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication, family events, and detailed progress reports. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and many hold degrees in early childhood education.
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The Learning Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Child Development Center serves the greater Wausau area with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic growth. The center features spacious classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with hands-on learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and individualized learning plans. Staff members maintain early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The center is known for its family-like atmosphere, strong community connections, and commitment to inclusive education. Parents consistently praise the attentive staff and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wausau, WI
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wausau, WI?
In Wausau, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week, while toddler care averages between $200 and $275 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of provider (center-based vs. in-home), the specific program's amenities, and whether it is accredited. Costs in Wausau are generally slightly below the state average for Wisconsin. It's important to note that many centers have a weekly rate that includes meals and basic supplies, but you should always ask for a detailed breakdown of what is included. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Wisconsin's Child Care Subsidy Program (also known as Wisconsin Shares), and some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How do I find and verify a licensed childcare provider in Wausau?
The primary resource for finding and verifying licensed childcare in Wausau is the "YoungStar" directory managed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). YoungStar is Wisconsin's childcare quality rating and improvement system. You can search their online database by zip code (e.g., 54401, 54403) to find licensed centers and family childcare homes in the Wausau area. Each listing shows the provider's YoungStar rating (1-5 stars), licensing status, capacity, and any violations or commendations. You can also contact the North Central Region Child Care Resource & Referral agency, which serves the Wausau area, for personalized referrals. Always verify a provider's license is current by checking the DCF website or calling their licensing specialist.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Wausau, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-rated centers in Wausau, especially for those with 4 or 5 YoungStar ratings. It's not unusual for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months for an infant opening. To navigate this, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and be proactive by calling centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include high-quality licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods like Rothschild, Weston, or Schofield, which may have shorter wait times. Some centers also prioritize siblings of current enrollees, so if you plan for multiple children, this is a factor to consider.
What are the options for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Wausau?
While most traditional daycare centers in Wausau operate Monday-Friday from approximately 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, options for part-time or non-traditional hours are more limited but available. Several licensed family childcare providers offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days per week) or flexible hours. For parents working evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts, finding care can be challenging. Your best bet is to search the YoungStar directory specifically filtering for providers who advertise "non-traditional hours." Additionally, you may need to consider a nanny share or a private in-home caregiver arranged through local networks or agencies. The Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic health systems, as major employers, sometimes have resources or referrals for employees with shift-work needs.
What local resources or programs in Wausau help parents afford and access quality childcare?
Wausau parents have several key local resources. First, the **Wisconsin Shares** subsidy program is administered locally by Marathon County Health and Human Services Department; eligibility is based on income, work requirements, and family size. Second, **4-C (Community Child Care)** serves as the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for the North Central region, offering free referrals, parenting resources, and guidance on quality indicators. Third, the **Marathon County Early Years Coalition** works to improve early childhood systems and may have information on community programs. For long-term planning, Wisconsin's **EdVest 529 Plan** allows tax-advantaged savings for future education expenses, including tuition for qualifying K-12 private schools and some early childhood programs. Always check with individual daycare centers about any private scholarships or sliding scale fees they may offer.