Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Appleton, WI
Compare 42 child daycare & preschools in Appleton. Average rating: 4.44/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Appleton, Wisconsin at a glance
- Programs
- 42
- Avg rating
- 4.44/5
- Parent reviews
- 172
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 13
Appleton has 42 licensed child daycare & preschools with 172 parent reviews averaging 4.44/5.13 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 65% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 54913 (avg 4.7 stars), while 54911 has the largest selection (18 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Appleton
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
- 1Little Mittens Ltd Child Care Ctr4.55 score5(6)
406 N Mayflower Dr, Appleton, WI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children
Little Mittens Ltd Child Care Center (now operated by Play & Grow) receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviewers highlight exceptional staff compassion, strong management, accommodating policies, and genuine care for children. The facility is noted for cleanliness, structured activities, and open communication with families.
Compassionate and caring staffaccommodating toward special needs (autism support)clean facilitystructured activities (active time - 2Christian Cooperative Preschool4.5 score5(5)
326 E North St, Appleton, WI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 21 children
Parents consistently praise Christian Cooperative Preschool for its warm, welcoming environment and experienced, dedicated teachers. The cooperative model allows parents to volunteer in classrooms and be actively involved in their children's education. Children show strong enthusiasm for attending, with parents noting significant learning and enjoyment.
Excellentexperienced teachersreasonable tuitionwelcoming and friendly community - 3Kidzland 2 Childcare Center LLC4.47 score4.7(10)
W5483 County Road Kk, Appleton, WI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 95 children
Kidzland 2 receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring and attentive staff, particularly directors Teresa and Mary. Parents highlight the clean facility, structured learning activities, reasonable fees, and excellent security measures. One negative review reported an unprofessional interaction with a staff member regarding a lost key fob.
Caring and friendly staffclean facilitystructured activities tailored to age groupsreasonable fees - 4Faith Child Care INC4.37 score4.6(8)
601 E Glendale Ave, Appleton, WI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children
Faith Child Care Inc receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising the staff's experience, stability, and quality care, though facility appearance is noted as modest. One negative review reported concerns about staff behavior toward children when observed unannounced.
Experienced and stable staff with long tenurenon-profit model benefiting employeesloving and nurturing carefamily-based approach - 5Ymca - Apple Creek4.33 score4.5(10)
2851 E Apple Creek Rd, Appleton, WI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children
This facility is highly rated for its pleasant atmosphere, friendly and supportive staff, and beautiful natural setting with scenic walking trails across the street. The fitness center is well-maintained with good equipment and ample parking. One reviewer expressed disappointment with weekend hours conflicting with their work schedule.
Friendly and approachable staffclean facilityscenic location with nature trailswell-maintained fitness equipment - 6The Learning Cottage Of Appleton4.27 score4.4(10)
W6127 Lorna Ln, Appleton, WI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 51 children
The Learning Cottage of Appleton (Therapy Time for Kids) receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for speech and feeding therapy services, with parents praising staff expertise and significant developmental progress in their children. However, two negative reviews cite concerns about pushing AAC devices against parental preference, staff punctuality issues, and contradictory feedback about progress.
Skilled and invested therapists (SallyAshleyJessicaSarah) - 7Creative Child Learning Center4.25 score4.5(5)
1901 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Creative Child Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff, engaging curriculum, and home-like atmosphere. However, one parent reported a serious incident involving physical contact with their children. The center emphasizes small class sizes, homemade meals, and individualized attention.
Caring and loving teacherssmall class sizes with one-on-one attentionengaging and creative learning activitieshomemade me
Rating Distribution
Based on 20 daycares with Google ratings in Appleton
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 172 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Appleton, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Appleton zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54913 | 7 | 4.7 | 4 | |
| 54915 | 15 | 4.52 | 4 | |
| 54911 | 18 | 4.44 | 5 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Appleton (12–250 children)
Small
up to 30 children
8
Medium
31–75 children
16
Large
76–150 children
18
Very Large
150+ children
1
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Appleton based on parent reviews
Little Mittens Ltd Child Care Ctr
406 N Mayflower Dr, Appleton, WI
Little Mittens Ltd Child Care Center (now operated by Play & Grow) receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviewers highlight exceptional staff compassion, strong management, accommodating policies, and genuine care for children. The facility is noted for cleanliness, structured activities, and open communication with families.
Christian Cooperative Preschool
326 E North St, Appleton, WI
Parents consistently praise Christian Cooperative Preschool for its warm, welcoming environment and experienced, dedicated teachers. The cooperative model allows parents to volunteer in classrooms and be actively involved in their children's education. Children show strong enthusiasm for attending, with parents noting significant learning and enjoyment.
Kidzland 2 Childcare Center LLC
W5483 County Road Kk, Appleton, WI
Kidzland 2 receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring and attentive staff, particularly directors Teresa and Mary. Parents highlight the clean facility, structured learning activities, reasonable fees, and excellent security measures. One negative review reported an unprofessional interaction with a staff member regarding a lost key fob.
Kids Kingdom Day Care INC
N210 Stoney Brook Rd, Appleton, WI
Families highlight the staff's compassion, responsiveness, and ability to create a welcoming, family-like environment. Parents appreciate the convenience of handled transportation, nutritious homemade meals, and the positive impact on their children's enjoyment of daycare.
Faith Child Care INC
601 E Glendale Ave, Appleton, WI
Faith Child Care Inc receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising the staff's experience, stability, and quality care, though facility appearance is noted as modest. One negative review reported concerns about staff behavior toward children when observed unannounced.
Ymca - Apple Creek
2851 E Apple Creek Rd, Appleton, WI
This facility is highly rated for its pleasant atmosphere, friendly and supportive staff, and beautiful natural setting with scenic walking trails across the street. The fitness center is well-maintained with good equipment and ample parking. One reviewer expressed disappointment with weekend hours conflicting with their work schedule.
Map
Daycare types in Appleton
Child Daycare & Preschools in Appleton, Wisconsin
There are 42 child daycare & preschools in Appleton, Wisconsin, making up 98% of the 43 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Appleton have an average rating of 4.44 out of 5 across 20 rated facilities, with 65% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.44 stars. Our analysis covers 172 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Appleton, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Child Daycare & Preschools in Appleton
Showing 42 results
- Address
- 3009 N Meade St, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 734-6396
- Quality
- Address
- 2224 N Ullman St, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 954-7642
The Appleton YMCA Play and Learn receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Reviews highlight excellent staff, clean modern facilities, and quality programming including swim lessons, daycare, and recreational activities. Parents report high satisfaction with their children's experiences and overall facility quality.
- Address
- 218 E Lawrence St, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 954-7636
Children of America Appleton receives uniformly positive feedback from parents. All reviews praise the caring and dedicated staff, welcoming environment, and strong communication through their app with daily photos and updates. Multiple parents report their children are excited and happy to attend.
- Address
- W3117 Springfield Dr, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 380-0554
- Quality
- Address
- 1818 N Meade St, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 832-0800
- Quality
- Address
- 3335 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 733-3344
- Quality
- Address
- 3601 S Telulah Ave, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 954-7642
- Quality
- Address
- N9363 Exploration Dr, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 830-5719
- Quality
- Address
- 415 E Hoover Ave, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 858-4438
- Quality
- Address
- 1125 E Taft, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 954-7642
- Address
- N9085 N Coop Rd, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 830-5720
- Quality
Parents describe the staff as welcoming and treat visitors like family, with one noting the pastor's personal greeting. Reviewers appreciate the organized services, which include distinct sessions for English and Swahili speakers to accommodate different language needs.
- Address
- 2220 E College Ave, Appleton, WI
- Phone
- (920) 734-9643
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Wisconsin's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Wisconsin)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 42 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 1 facilities