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Growing Bear Daycare & Preschool, Inc. State Licensed

"Children Learn Through Play"

About Us

Growing Bear Daycare And Preschool, Inc., led by owners Jaime and Jessica Waters, with Director Jessica Waters, has been a trusted childcare provider in Waukon, IA for 30 years. Our expertise encompasses infant, toddler, and preschool programs, alongside engaging summer activities and school-age care. We are dedicated to creating a secure and nurturing environment, enabling parents to work with peace of mind knowing their children are safe. Our flexibility allows us to accommodate diverse family schedules. We welcome families from Waukon, Allamakee County, and surrounding counties to join us in a journey of fun and learning. Visit us today to discover how we can support your child's early development!

Areas Served

Our Certifications

Licensed Early Childhood Educators

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Child Care
28 Years in Business
Generations of Family Fun Learning

Our Services include:

Infant Programs (6 Weeks - 14 Months)
Toddler Programs (14 Months - 2 Years) and (2 Years - 3 Years)
Preschool Programs (3 Years and 4 Years)
School-Age Programs (5 Years - 12 Years)
Before School Programs
Check Out Programs
Summer Programs for All Ages

Testimonials

On 1/7/2025 Anonymous had this to say:
My son has been attending Growing Bear since he was 4 months old. I feel he is always in great hands when dropping him off in the mornings. He is always excited to go and see everyone. I am so thankful for their flexibility in scheduling when needing to rearrange for appointments. Testimonial submitted anonymously directly to this site.

On 1/3/2025 Crystal M. had this to say:
This is our first time at a daycare center from 12 weeks to 6 months and want to point out that it has been such a positive experience! The staff had been wonderful each step of the way. Thank you to the owner who goes above and beyond to make us as parents feel that everything is taken care of and the communication is very quick to respond if anything is needed in your child's day. 10/10 childcare very well organized with great staff. Thank you for being a part of our community.

On 1/2/2025 Stacey had this to say:
Wonderful caring staff. My daughter enjoys hers days there and loves the learning activities. Testimonial written by Stacey on this site.

On 1/2/2025 Evan A. had this to say:
Great place for kids to go. Really fun environment for all the kids. The staff is kind and understanding with both the parents and children.

On 1/24/2023 Nicole Sylvester had this to say:
Great place!

Contact Us

Growing Bear Daycare & Preschool, Inc. State Licensed
526 4th St NW Waukon, IA 52172
Phone: (563) 568-2939
Email: growingbeardaycare@yahoo.com

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Personal Checks

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Info

We are Hiring!

FAQ

What ages do you care for?

Growing Bear provides nurturing, developmentally appropriate care for infants through school‑age children, ensuring each age group receives the structure, attention, and learning opportunities they need.

Infant care: Gentle routines, sensory play, and individualized attention

Toddler programs: Early language, motor skills, and social development

Preschool learning: Foundational academics, creativity, and independence

School‑age care: Before/after school support, homework help, and enrichment

How long have you been serving families?

We’ve proudly supported families for over 30 years, becoming a trusted part of the Waukon community. Our long history reflects our commitment to consistency, safety, and high‑quality early childhood education.

Are you licensed?

Yes — Growing Bear is a state‑licensed childcare center, meaning we meet or exceed all requirements for staffing ratios, safety procedures, facility standards, and ongoing training.

What is your educational approach?

We follow a play‑based learning philosophy, which encourages children to explore, imagine, and learn through hands‑on experiences. This approach supports cognitive growth, emotional development, and social confidence.

What does your preschool curriculum include?

Our preschool program prepares children for kindergarten through a blend of structured lessons and creative exploration. Activities include:

Early literacy: Letter recognition, storytelling, phonemic awareness

Math readiness: Counting, patterns, shapes, early problem‑solving

Fine motor development: Writing tools, cutting, building

Social‑emotional learning: Sharing, cooperation, emotional expression

Creative expression: Art, music, dramatic play

Do you offer summer programs?

Yes — our summer activities keep children engaged with outdoor play, themed learning weeks, crafts, water days, and group games.

Do you offer flexible scheduling?

Absolutely. We understand that every family’s needs are different, so we offer flexible scheduling options, including full‑time, part‑time, and school‑age care.

How do I enroll my child?

Enrollment is simple and personalized. Families can call, visit the center, or reach out through our website. We’ll walk you through availability, required forms, and next steps.