The Best Daycare Centers in Shoshoni, WY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shoshoni. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shoshoni
Little Lambs Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Little Lambs is a highly-regarded local daycare serving the Shoshoni community with a comprehensive educational program. They offer a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates early literacy, math readiness, and social development. The facility features secure indoor classrooms and a safe outdoor play area with age-appropriate equipment. Staff members are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in ongoing early childhood education training. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, personalized attention, and strong communication about child development milestones. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios.
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Growing Tree Children's Center
Independent
Located in nearby Riverton (approximately 20 miles from Shoshoni), Growing Tree Children's Center serves families throughout Fremont County. They employ a structured yet flexible curriculum that balances academic preparation with creative expression and physical development. The center features modern security systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and a large outdoor playground. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials, and the center maintains state-exceeding safety standards. The program includes daily progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities like music and movement. Many Shoshoni families commute to this center for its reputation for quality care.
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KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
As part of the national KinderCare network, this Riverton location provides high-quality early childhood education to families in Shoshoni and surrounding communities. The center implements research-based curricula including Early Foundations for infants and toddlers and Phonics Adventures for literacy development. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and climate-controlled playgrounds. All teachers meet state qualification requirements plus additional KinderCare training in child development and safety protocols. The center offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and regular developmental assessments. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment and comprehensive communication system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shoshoni, WY
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Shoshoni, Wyoming?
In Shoshoni and the surrounding Fremont County area, licensed childcare options are primarily limited to family childcare homes and potentially small, in-home daycare providers. Due to the town's small population, there are no large commercial daycare centers. Family childcare homes are licensed by the State of Wyoming Department of Family Services to care for a limited number of children in a residential setting, often providing a more home-like environment. Some providers may also operate legally as "unlicensed relative care" for a very small number of children from a single family. For more structured preschool programs, parents often need to look at options in nearby larger towns like Riverton or Lander.
How do I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Wyoming?
The State of Wyoming provides an online public search tool called the "Child Care Licensing Portal" on the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) website. You can search by provider name, city (Shoshoni), or zip code to find licensed facilities and family homes. This portal shows the provider's license status (active, probation, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or complaint investigations. It's a critical step for due diligence. You can also contact the DFS Regional Office in Riverton for assistance. Always ask any potential provider in Shoshoni for their license number to cross-reference.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Shoshoni, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Shoshoni, availability can be extremely tight, and waitlists are common. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before their needed start date. Many family home providers have very small, consistent groups of children and may only have an opening when a child ages out or moves away. Networking with other local parents and contacting providers directly to get on a waitlist is essential. Be prepared to be flexible and consider providers in neighboring communities if no immediate openings exist in Shoshoni.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare in Shoshoni, and is there any financial assistance available?
For licensed family childcare homes in Shoshoni, full-time weekly rates for infants and toddlers typically range from $120 to $180 per week. Rates for preschool-aged children might be slightly lower. These costs are generally below state averages but reflect local income levels. Financial assistance is available through the Wyoming DFS Child Care Subsidy Program for qualifying families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You apply through the DFS office. Additionally, the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can help offset costs at tax time.
What local resources or networks can help me find and evaluate childcare options in the Shoshoni area?
Your best local resources are other parents and community hubs. Engage with local Facebook groups for Shoshoni/Fremont County parents, as word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable in small towns. Contact the Fremont County Public Health Nursing Office or the Family Resource Center in Riverton; they often maintain informal lists of local providers. The Wyoming 2-1-1 helpline and website can also provide referrals. For evaluation, beyond checking the state license, plan to visit any potential provider in person, ask for references from current/former parents, and observe the environment and interactions during a scheduled tour.