About Quokka Kids in Beaver Dam, WI

Our Story

The Vision

In Beaver Dam, we believe childcare should feel like an extension of your family. Quokka Kids was created with a simple goal in mind: to offer a place where warmth, consistency, and care shape each child’s day from the moment they arrive. We have thoughtfully designed our classrooms and routines to help every child feel comfortable, valued, and known. Through open and honest communication, we make sure families stay connected to their child’s daily experiences, growth, and milestones.

Safety First

We believe safety is what makes learning and exploration possible. That is why we hold ourselves to high standards in every part of our care, from experienced staff to careful attendance practices and strong cleanliness routines. Children thrive when they feel secure, and our team works hard to create an environment where they can explore with confidence while families feel reassured throughout the day.

The Promise

Our promise is to care for each child with kindness, consistency, and intention. We do more than supervise. We build relationships, encourage growth, and celebrate progress alongside families. At Quokka Kids, your child will be supported in a nurturing environment where they can grow in confidence, discover their strengths, and enjoy each day.

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Our Philosophy

At Quokka Kids, we recognize that every child grows and develops at their own pace. We understand that children learn best through exploration within a play-based environment. Our approach is grounded in research that supports play in teaching essential skills and helping children reach age-appropriate milestones.

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Meet Our Founder

Because every child deserves a childhood filled with wonder and safety.

"My passion for early childhood care comes from both personal experience and professional dedication. I hold warm memories from my own early child care days, filled with comfort, joy, and a strong sense of belonging. Those experiences inspired me to create a center where every child can feel the same way.

I bring over seven years of certified childcare experience, along with more than 10 years of experience in healthcare, my work as a certified in-home provider, and my business studies at Herzing University. I lead with both structure and compassion, creating an environment that is organized, supportive, and attentive to each child’s needs.

At the heart of Quokka Kids is my vision of a true home away from home. It is a place where children are encouraged, cared for, and celebrated as they grow. I am committed to being a steady and caring presence each day, giving families confidence and peace of mind.

- LaShana Buckner, Founder & Director"

Frances Ladson, Director of Quokka Kids, interacting warmly with children in her care

Children enjoying safe outdoor playground activities in the secure, fenced play area at Quokka Kids

Children engaged in interactive learning experiences that combine play and education at Quokka Kids

Trusted Expertise You Can Count On

At Quokka Kids, your child’s care is supported by professional training, certifications, and real hands on experience. Every part of our program, from classroom activities to daily safety practices, is shaped by knowledge of early childhood development and a commitment to high standards of care.

Key Qualifications:

Certified Family Child Care Provider
Administrator / Center Director (50 or fewer children)
School-Age Program Leader & Teacher

Specialized Safety & Child Care Training: DCF – Abusive Head Trauma
DCF – Shaken Baby Syndrome
DCF – Infant Toddler Requirement
DCF – SIDS Training

With this strong foundation, Quokka Kids creates a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and feel secure each day. Families can feel confident knowing their child is in caring and capable hands.

Safety & Health

Safety is a core part of how Quokka Kids operates each day. With a background in healthcare, our center approaches child care with careful attention to cleanliness, supervision, and daily routines that help support children's well-being. We believe safety is reflected in both our standards and daily practices. It is reflected in the environment we create, the way we care for children, and the standards we follow each day. Just as important, we also care about emotional safety. Children learn and grow best when they feel comfortable and supported and we work hard to create that kind of dependable environment for every family we serve.

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What We Want for Every Child

We want every child at Quokka Kids to feel confident, capable, and excited to learn. Our goal is to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is respected, and children are supported as they build important social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

Each day, we focus on helping children grow at their own pace while feeling encouraged and ready to take on new experiences.

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Secure and welcoming facility entrance with safety features and bright, child-friendly design at Quokka Kids

Get to know Quokka Kids and see what makes our center special

We'd love to connect with your family and answer your questions.

(920) 382-9797 Schedule Tour