Licensed Daycare in Madison, Wisconsin
30 licensed daycares in Madison, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Wisconsin licensing records.
Madison listings updated May 2026 from official Wisconsin records.
Daycare in Madison: what parents should know
Families in Madison can choose from 30 licensed childcare providers, with Licensed Group Child Care Home the most common type (about 20% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Wisconsin license at indexing time, sourced from Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Regulation.
For age coverage, 3 centers in Madison report infant care (roughly 10% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 3 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.
Licensed care in Madison spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 20% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Together, licensed providers in Madison report capacity for roughly 1,999 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Madison childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Madison
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 Madison 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 overviewQuick 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
Largest licensed centers in Madison
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Madison licensed centers
Page 2 of 2Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Madison, Wisconsin?
What's the average daycare cost in Madison?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Madison daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Madison?
How do I verify a Madison daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Madison
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programWisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(608) 422-7200 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Regulation.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Madison
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Madison, Wisconsin are compiled from official Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Regulation licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 30 Licensed Centers in Madison
Free, no signup, verified directly with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Regulation.