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Growing Bear Daycare & Preschool, Inc. State Licensed

"Children Learn Through Play"

About Us

For over 30 years, Growing Bear Daycare and Preschool, Inc. has been a trusted part of the Waukon, Iowa community, built on a simple but powerful foundation—love, care, and a passion for helping children grow. Owned and led by Jaime and Jessica Waters, with Jessica also serving as Director, Growing Bear was created from a genuine love for children and a desire to provide families with a place they can truly trust.

What began as a dream to create a safe, nurturing environment has grown into a center that has cared for generations of local families. At its heart, Growing Bear is more than just childcare—it’s a place where children are encouraged to learn, explore, and build friendships through play. Every classroom, from infants to school-age children, reflects that mission by offering engaging programs that support early development while making learning fun.

Jessica’s vision has always been clear: to provide a loving, clean, and secure space where children feel at home and parents feel confident. That commitment continues to guide everything the team does, from maintaining a structured yet playful learning environment to offering flexible scheduling that meets the real-life needs of busy families.

Serving Waukon, Allamakee County, and surrounding communities, Growing Bear offers comprehensive care including infant, toddler, and preschool programs, as well as school-age care and enriching summer activities. Each program is designed to help children grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy, while giving parents the peace of mind they deserve.

At Growing Bear, families aren’t just clients—they’re part of a legacy. A legacy of care, trust, and generations of children who have learned, laughed, and thrived together.

Areas Served

Our Certifications

Licensed Early Childhood Educators

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

At Growing Bear Daycare and Preschool, Inc., child care is more than a service—it’s a long-standing commitment to families and their children. With 28 years in business, they have become a trusted part of the community, caring for generations of families who return time and time again. Their specialty lies in creating a nurturing environment where learning and fun go hand in hand, allowing children to grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy. From first steps to school readiness, Growing Bear is proud to be a place where lasting memories are made and lifelong foundations are built.

Our Services include:

Infant Care (6 Weeks – 14 Months): At Growing Bear Daycare and Preschool, Inc., the infant program is built around comfort, consistency, and connection. During these early months, every moment matters—from feeding and naptime routines to those first smiles and milestones. Caregivers provide a calm, nurturing environment where babies receive individualized attention, gentle interaction, and plenty of sensory experiences to support early development. Families can feel confident knowing their little ones are loved, safe, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
Toddler Programs (14 Months – 3 Years): As children begin to explore the world around them, the toddler program provides the perfect balance of structure and discovery. Designed for both younger and older toddlers, this stage focuses on building independence, communication skills, and social confidence. Through hands-on activities, guided play, and early learning experiences, children are encouraged to move, create, and interact in meaningful ways. Caring teachers help toddlers navigate big emotions while celebrating curiosity and the joy of learning something new each day.
Preschool Programs (3 – 4 Years): The preschool program brings learning to life through creativity, structure, and play-based education. At this stage, children are developing important academic and social skills that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. Daily activities are designed to support early literacy, problem-solving, and collaboration, all while keeping learning engaging and fun. With a focus on confidence-building and independence, children are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
School-Age & Extended Care Programs (5 – 12 Years): For school-age children, Growing Bear offers a safe, supportive space before and after the school day. Whether attending before school, winding down after a full day in the classroom, or participating in flexible “check-out” care, children can enjoy a welcoming environment that balances structure with freedom. Time is set aside for homework support, creative activities, and social interaction, helping children stay engaged while giving families peace of mind. It’s a place where kids can relax, recharge, and continue growing outside of school hours.
Summer Programs for All Ages: When school is out, Growing Bear’s summer program keeps children active, engaged, and excited to learn. Designed for all age groups, summer days are filled with themed activities, outdoor play, creative projects, and opportunities to explore new interests. It’s a season of fun and discovery, where children can build friendships, stay mentally active, and make lasting memories in a safe and nurturing environment.

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

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.