Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Learning in La Crosse
Red Balloon Early Learning Centers has been dedicated to nurturing children and supporting families in the Coulee Region since 1982. As a non-profit organization governed by a parent and community-led board, we prioritize safety, education, and affordability in all aspects of our programming. Our team of experienced educators, many of whom have been with us for over a decade, follows the Creative Curriculum to meet Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards while fostering individualized growth. We maintain rigorous safety protocols, including secure facilities with surveillance systems and non-toxic environments, ensuring children thrive under our care. Our staff undergoes comprehensive training in child development, first aid, and safety practices, while our family-style meals emphasize organic, nutritious ingredients tailored to dietary needs.Through the Procare app, we provide real-time updates to families, maintaining transparency and connection throughout the day. By balancing structured learning with child-directed exploration, we create warm, affirming spaces where children develop social, emotional, and academic foundations. Our commitment to low staff turnover ensures consistency for families, while our flexible hours adapt to evolving needs. With two locations consolidated in La Crosse, we continue expanding our capacity to serve infants through preschool-age children with personalized attention.
Services
Infant/Toddler Care
Preschool Programs
Creative Curriculum
Organic Meal Service
Secure Facilities
Parent Communication App
Staff Development
Outdoor Learning
Dietary Accommodations
Child Safety Protocols
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Experienced educators with low staff turnover since 1982
- Secure facilities with surveillance systems and locked entries
- Personalized communication via the Procare app for real-time updates
- Nutritious, organic meals prepared fresh daily by dedicated staff
- Curriculum aligned with Wisconsin early learning standards through play-based learning
Associations and certifications
- YoungStar
Services
Infant/Toddler Program
Our Infant/Toddler Program provides individualized attention through small class sizes and nurturing caregivers. Using Creative Curriculum, teachers create developmentally appropriate activities in art, music, and motor skills tailored to each child's needs. Outdoor playtime and consistent routines ensure infants and toddlers develop securely while building foundational learning experiences.
Preschool Programs
Preschool and 4K programs balance structured learning with child-directed exploration through weekly theme-based lessons. Our classrooms encourage independence while meeting Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards through STEM activities, creative arts, and social-emotional development. Family-style meals and outdoor learning promote holistic growth in safe, stimulating environments.
Creative Curriculum
Creative Curriculum integrates child-guided play with educational objectives across art, science, and literacy domains. Teachers individualize lesson plans to match developmental stages while maintaining consistency through predictable routines. This approach fosters natural curiosity and builds foundational skills through engaging, hands-on experiences tailored to each classroom's unique needs.
Secure Facilities
Our centers maintain locked entries with key fob access, surveillance cameras, and alarmed doors to ensure child safety. Non-toxic cleaning products and rigorous hygiene protocols create healthy environments. Daily attendance tracking and background-checked staff provide additional security layers while maintaining easy parent access during operating hours.
Parent Communication App
The Procare app delivers real-time updates about meals, activities, and milestones directly to parents' devices. Teachers share photos, videos, and classroom news while enabling direct messaging for immediate communication. This technology enhances transparency and keeps families connected throughout their child's daily learning journey.
People
Susan Lucey
Administrator/Financial Director
Susan Lucey has served as Administrator/Financial Director since 2002. With an Associate Degree in Accounting and Early Childhood Education credentials, she manages financial operations while maintaining connections with families. Susan enjoys spending time with her family and dogs outside of work.
Amanda Cusick
Senior Director
Amanda Cusick directs operations with 14 years of childcare experience. Holding a Psychology Bachelor's Degree and Early Childhood credentials, she oversees programming since joining in 2013. Originally from Madison, Amanda balances leadership responsibilities with family life in La Crosse.
Kat Lawrence
Food Service Director
Kat Lawrence leads kitchen operations after transitioning from infant teaching roles. With childcare experience since 2017, she manages meal programs emphasizing organic ingredients. Kat enjoys racing events and family bonfires during her free time.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children from infancy through 4K (ages 4-5), offering specialized programs for each developmental stage including infant/toddler, preschool, and pre-kindergarten classrooms.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve organic breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily using fresh ingredients. Our menus follow USDA CACFP guidelines and accommodate special dietary needs with prior arrangements.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use the Procare app for real-time updates about daily activities, meals, and milestones. Parents receive photo/video shares and can message teachers directly through the platform.
What safety measures are in place?
Our centers feature secure key fob entry systems, surveillance cameras, and alarmed doors. All staff undergo background checks and safety training, while classrooms maintain strict health protocols.
Do you offer part-time enrollment?
We primarily offer full-time care to maintain consistency for children, though limited flexible options may be available. Contact us directly to discuss specific scheduling needs.
