Susan Graf, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open:
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Waukesha Pine Street KinderCare
Welcome to Waukesha Pine Street KinderCare! We are located across the street from Grandview Park in the stately city of Waukesha, just west of Milwaukee, WI. Our passionate and nurturing teachers work hard to create a safe and stimulating environment where children can have fun while developing socially, emotionally, and intellectually. It's our mission from the moment you walk into our center that you feel welcomed and a part of our KinderCare family!
Our classrooms are places to thrive!
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour!
Meet Susan Graf, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 1997
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting with a minor in Early Childhood Education
Favorite Children's Book: Will I Have A Friend?
Meet Sue Graf! She is the Center Director at Waukesha Pine Street KinderCare in Wisconsin. Sue has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting with a minor in Early Childhood Education. She has been with KinderCare since 1997, and before that she was an assistant director. Outside of work, Sue enjoys hiking, biking, coloring, and spending time with her family. Her favorite quote is, "They may forget what you said- but they will never forget how you made them feel." - Carl W. Buehner
AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED
We’re so proud!
Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited - nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference, and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.
SCHOOL-READY
What Learning Looks Like
Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.
Waukesha Pine Street KinderCare Programs
Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)
Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.
Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)
Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.
Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)
This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.
Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)
This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!
Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)
When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.
Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program
Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)
In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication, and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!
Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)
KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.
Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)
Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)
STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)
You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!
Our Teachers
We're the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn't enough though. KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers. Put more simply, we love our teachers and your child will, too.
Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!
A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH
An Artist's Heart
"My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.
We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We're so proud to have been named one of Gallup's 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award. When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience an amazing place to learn and grow.
Family Stories
Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center!
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Our daughter has attended the Waukesha Pine St. KinderCare for a year now and we all love it. The staff are thoughtful and generous. The hours offered are flexible and conducive to a busy modern-day family, and the rates are reasonable. They have family-building events such as Fall Festivals and Cookie Exchanges. The food is healthy and nutritious--not just fast food junk! Things like cottage cheese and peaches, strawberries, wheat crackers, etc. The curriculum for our three-year-old is age-appropriate and fun. She comes home excited about school, which is fantastic! The rules followed by the staff and their ability to handle the naturally occurring problems that arise with children are wonderful, and they use plenty of patience--a necessary component with little hearts and minds that have busy hands. I recommend this facility wholeheartedly!
”Nicole - KinderCare Parent
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Since my daughter was at KinderCare, she has learned so much--counting, table manners, and interaction--which is great, because at home she is an only child. She sings songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider," and she is only one year old! She can do all the hand movements to go with the song as well. She talks more and while reading, she points to the words. The staff makes it a point to know the parent and build a bond with the children. It was hard for my daughter in the beginning to adjust to her new surroundings, but the staff was patient and went on her comfort level. When I was looking for daycare, I was most interested in the education and not just having a "babysitter." KinderCare has pleased my expectations, and the caring atmosphere has been phenomenal. I would recommend this KinderCare to all parents! My income is limited, but my child's education is more important than most things and I will keep my baby in school at KinderCare.
”Belit B. - KinderCare Parent
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My daughter has attended Waukesha Pine St. KinderCare since she was eight weeks old. I have been 110% satisfied with all of the staff members, as well as the facility. They go above and beyond to make sure that the children are cared for and their communication is outstanding. For the last five years, I have been extremely pleased with this program, so I would recommend KinderCare to everyone!
”Kari - KinderCare Parent
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It is nice to see the socialization my son is getting. He plays with the other babies and enjoys himself. We're seeing him grow out of the infant phase and into the toddler phase by the activities he does, things he eats, and the way he communicates. We like how concerned the teachers are about making sure they're doing the right thing for him. For example, he is sensitive with dairy, so they always ask before giving him anything different. They do so many fun art projects with him (we've saved every one!) and even made special projects when it's Mommy and Daddy's birthdays! Some things I took into consideration when deciding to go to this center: good location, fair price, cleanliness, safety, NAEYC accreditation, and the overall comfortable feeling while on the tour. People have asked me about KinderCare and my husband and I both say, "We love it and our boy seems to love it as well!" They are very flexible with our schedule and fill us in on any "accidents" our son has. All the teachers truly seem to love their jobs and love our son--even when he is a stinker! We would definitely refer our friends to KinderCare!
”Tasha G. - KinderCare Parent
Who Are KinderCare Families?
They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common, though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.
Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.
A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A
Home in Houston
Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure. Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations does KinderCare have?
We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities. Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.
Do you offer part-time schedules at Waukesha Pine Street KinderCare?
Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.
How does naptime work at Waukesha Pine Street KinderCare?
Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on "10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap" to learn more.
Do you support alternative diets?
We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.
Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we'll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.