Licensed Daycare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Milwaukee?

Statewide averages in Wisconsin run roughly $1170/month for infants and $870/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Milwaukee?

Wisconsin families can apply for Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (608) 422-7200). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. We index every state-licensed provider so you can compare options side by side.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,170/mo

Wisconsin avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Milwaukee

ChildCare Aware reports the Wisconsin average full-time cost at $1,170/month for infant care and $870/month for preschool. City-level prices in Milwaukee vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Wisconsin families may also qualify for Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (608) 422-7200).

Full Wisconsin licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Regulation
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 66 kids

ZIP codes covered

53222 7 53212 7 53221 6 53211 6 53210 6 53202 6 53233 4 53227 4

Program types in Milwaukee

Preschool Program

9 centers

Licensed Child Care Center

9 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

9 centers

Head Start Center

9 centers

Before & After School Care

9 centers

Montessori School

6 centers

How many licensed daycare centers are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Our directory lists 60 licensed childcare centers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sourced from Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Regulation. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Milwaukee?

Statewide averages in Wisconsin run roughly $1170/month for infants and $870/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Milwaukee daycares?

All licensed Wisconsin centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Milwaukee typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Milwaukee?

Wisconsin families can apply for Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (608) 422-7200). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Milwaukee daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Regulation search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.