Early Learning Childcare in Milwaukee, WI

St. Francis Children’s Center’s Early Childhood Education program offers nurturing, full-day childcare with individualized attention, play-based learning, and special needs support.

Building Bright Futures Through Early Learning

St. Francis Children’s Center provides families in Milwaukee, WI with access to high-quality early childhood education that nurtures growth, confidence, and curiosity. Our early learning childcare approach emphasizes individualized attention, play-based experiences, and strong foundations that prepare children for lifelong success. By focusing on social, emotional, and academic development, we help children build the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Comprehensive Support for Every Child

From our early childhood education program to early childhood Head Start services, we deliver solutions that meet families’ needs during the most critical years of development. With caring teachers, engaging classrooms, and a commitment to inclusivity, we ensure every child has the opportunity to flourish. Parents can trust that their child will receive the guidance, encouragement, and resources necessary for a strong start.

Enroll today and give your child the advantage of a brighter future!

Some of the children enrolled in our early childhood education program.

SFCC’s Early Childhood Education Program

St. Francis Children’s Center’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a state-licensed child care program serving children from six weeks through Kindergarten. The ECE offers a nurturing and stimulating year-round, full-day program. Our childcare program is licensed through the State of Wisconsin and is also accredited through the National Accreditation Commision for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC).

At St. Francis Children’s Center, our philosophy is: all children can learn if we can learn how to teach them. When you enter our Center, you will immediately feel the care and thought that we pour into our Early Childhood Education Program. From colorful wall murals – to sensory play areas – to large airy classrooms, everything has been designed with your child in mind! It is the enriching lessons, individualized attention, and hands-on learning that takes place in our classrooms that will really make you proud to be an SFCC family. When you experience our classrooms, you will quickly notice children who are engaged, confident, and eagerly exploring the classroom spaces around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your early childhood education program unique?

Our early childhood education program combines play-based learning, individualized instruction, and a nurturing environment. Children gain confidence, curiosity, and school-readiness skills while enjoying activities that spark creativity, build social connections, and encourage problem-solving.

How does early learning childcare benefit families?

Early learning childcare provides more than supervision — it offers structured opportunities for growth. Children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically, while parents gain peace of mind knowing their child is safe, supported, and developing essential skills for future success.

Do you offer early childhood Head Start services?

Yes, our early childhood Head Start program ensures children from diverse backgrounds receive comprehensive resources. Families benefit from health screenings, family support, and inclusive learning experiences that prepare children for long-term achievement.

Is enrollment available year‑round in Milwaukee, WI?

Families in Milwaukee, WI can apply throughout the year. We work closely with parents to identify the best start date, ensuring children transition smoothly into our classrooms and receive consistent care and education.

How can I get started with St. Francis Children’s Center?

How can I get started with St. Francis Children’s Center?

Top Reasons Parents Choose Us

Why Families Love Our ECE Center

Our ECE Center offers accredited, high-quality early childhood education tailored to nurture every child’s potential.

Nationally Accredited

St. Francis Children’s Center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. This recognition highlights our excellence in providing top-tier care for young children.

5-Star Rating by YoungStar

We consistently receive the highest possible rating of FIVE STARS from YoungStar, Wisconsin’s independent childcare and quality rating system.

Highly Qualified Lead Teachers

Our lead teachers for Toddlers, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten classrooms hold degrees in Early Childhood Education with additional certifications in Special Education.

Continuous Learning & Support

To unlock each child’s full potential, our teachers undergo continuing education, have one-on-one consultations with our on-site child psychologist, and collaborate in team meetings to exchange teaching strategies and ideas.

All Children Can Learn

If We Can Learn To Teach Them

ECE teachers and classroom assistants develop curriculum to meet the individual needs of children and maximize their early brain development through play-based learning. When children complete our Kindergarten program, they are prepared for success in public or private schools. We measure social emotional and academic progress and communicate this progress often with parents and caregivers.

Special Features

  • Competitive rates
  • A full gym, so children can work at least 60 minutes of active play into each day, rain or shine
  • Indoor play spaces with ball pits, a slide, a tropical aquarium and other fun features specially designed to engage the senses
  • Beautiful outdoor play areas with universally-accessible playground equipment, open spaces and gardens where children grow strawberries and vegetables to share with their friends
  • Well-equipped, bright classrooms that encourage exploration and independence
  • Breakfast, hot lunch, and snacks served in each classroom
  • We accept Wisconsin Shares

Early Head Start at SFCC

Beginning in 2026, St. Francis Children’s Center is proud to partner with Next Door Milwaukee to provide Early Head Start services for infants, toddlers, and their families. Strengthening support during the most critical years of development.

Through this partnership, eligible families receive access to comprehensive Early Head Start programming right here at SFCC. Services focus on nurturing early learning, promoting healthy development, and connections to health and community services.

EARLY HEAD START is now offered at St. Francis Children’s Center for children ages 6 weeks to 2.5 years old. Children must have a childcare subsidy and meet eligibility requirements for enrollment. The Early Head Start Partnership Program is made possible through a partnership with Next Door and through a federal Early Head Start Childcare Partnership Grant.

Children with Special Needs

It is within our mission and our desire to serve children with special needs. Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is currently a typical state licensed child care. While our Birth to Three, CLTS and Family Activity Center programs solely serve children with special needs and their families, our ECE program serves children who are both typically developing and those with special needs.

When an application is made for a child with special needs to attend our ECE program, the enrollment team will involve the parent/guardian in a thorough, individual assessment regarding our ability to appropriately serve that child without fundamentally altering the program. As a childcare provider, we uphold the guidelines of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

We encourage families to share any special needs of their child upon enrollment inquiry to best determine how we may serve their needs.

Resources

Breakfast, Lunch & Snack Menus

Tuition Rates

2026 School Calendar

Ready to Enroll Your Child?

Fill out our Enrollment Inquiry form to get started.
Please contact our Admissions Coordinator, Jessica Jost, at jjost@sfcckids.org for additional questions or help.

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