Energy Efficiency is Growing a Childcare Center and Nurturing the Future

Energy Efficiency for the Future

Wee Care Child Center knows a lot about families. This family-run Waupun business has been helping the next generation of Wisconsinites for more than 35 years. Thanks to energy efficiency upgrades from FOCUS ON ENERGY®, Wee Care can continue to provide a comfortable, safe space where the community’s children can thrive for years to come.  

“From the very beginning, the goal was simple: to provide a caring environment where children could learn, grow, and feel at home,” says co-owner Miranda Bykowski. “Over the years, Wee Care has continued to grow while staying true to that original vision.”

Sustainable Developments

Two sisters created the center in 1989. Nearly 25 years later, their daughters – Miranda Bykowski and Allison Neumann – took it over. Now, Miranda co-owns the center with Jessica Langford, while Allison serves as the office manager.    

To serve more children, the childcare center added space and remodeled its facility several times over the years. The center turned to Focus on Energy and worked with an Energy Advisor to assess its energy use and identify ways to improve its aging lighting, air conditioner, and water heater.

Wee Care worked with Focus on Energy Trade Allies to replace these systems. City Light Electric upgraded what remained of the facility's outdated lighting, helping the site fully transition to LED. All-Phase HVAC installed a new air conditioner, and Stobb Plumbing & Heating installed a new, highly efficient, gas-powered storage water heater. These improvements provide energy and cost savings, brighten the spaces, and increase comfort.  

“These upgrades are such a welcome change, as they help us to better serve the needs of our children, families, and staff,” Miranda says.

Year-Round Support

A cornerstone of the community, the center now serves over 100 children from ages 6 weeks to 11 years. It employs 22 dedicated staff members who lead play-based and child-centered activities. Childcare is provided from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. year-round, and Wee Care offers a summer camp program for school-age children.  

With the upgrades, the center is predicted to save nearly $495 annually, which Wee Care can direct toward serving families.

“What started as a small center has grown into a thriving community,” Miranda says. “We have seven classrooms filled with learning, laughter, and discovery. With Focus on Energy’s help, those classrooms are now brighter, more comfortable, and better equipped to care for our region’s children.”