The Best Daycare Centers in Afton, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Afton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Afton
Bright Horizons at Lakeview Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This NAEYC-accredited center serves the Afton area with high-quality early education programs. They employ degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training and maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The curriculum focuses on emergent learning through play-based activities, literacy development, and STEM exploration. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular developmental updates. The center partners with Lakeview Hospital, providing additional health and safety resources.
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The Goddard School of Woodbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This FLEX Learning Program center serves Afton families with a play-based curriculum that balances academic preparation and social-emotional development. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure keypad entry, multiple age-specific playgrounds, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. The program includes Spanish language exposure, yoga instruction, and technology integration. Safety protocols include comprehensive background checks, regular emergency drills, and strict health screening procedures.
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Stillwater Children's Academy
Independent
Family-owned and operated since 2006, this center serves the St. Croix Valley including Afton with a comprehensive early childhood program. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured learning in literacy, mathematics, and science. The staff includes experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access controls, commercial-grade kitchen providing nutritious meals, and spacious outdoor play areas with natural elements. The center emphasizes character development and community involvement, with regular family events and parent education workshops.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Afton, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Afton, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Afton and the surrounding St. Croix Valley area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care averages $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Preschool programs often cost between $900 and $1,300 monthly. These rates are influenced by Afton's semi-rural setting and the higher operational costs for smaller, licensed providers. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available to eligible families in Washington County. Additionally, local organizations like the Family Means in nearby Stillwater offer resources and support. It's also worth inquiring directly with providers about possible sibling discounts or flexible payment plans.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed in Afton, and what are Minnesota's key licensing requirements for child-to-staff ratios?
All licensed childcare providers in Minnesota are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and review any past licensing actions through the DHS Licensing Information Lookup tool online. For Afton-specific providers, you can also contact the Washington County Public Health & Environment department. Key Minnesota staff-to-child ratios are: 1:4 for infants (under 16 months), 1:7 for toddlers (16-33 months), 1:10 for preschoolers (33 months to school-age), and 1:15 for school-age children. Family childcare homes in Afton are licensed for up to 10 children, including the provider's own under-age children, with no more than three being infants or toddlers.
Are there many licensed in-home daycare providers versus center-based options in Afton, and what are the pros and cons of each in this community?
Due to Afton's smaller, residential character, licensed family childcare homes are more common than large daycare centers within the city limits. You'll find several licensed in-home providers offering a home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be convenient for families seeking care close to home. For center-based options, parents often look to neighboring communities like Stillwater, Woodbury, or Hudson, WI. The pros of an Afton in-home provider include potentially more flexible hours, a consistent caregiver, and a smaller group setting. Cons may include limited backup if the provider is ill and fewer structured preschool curricula. Centers offer more structured programming and multiple staff but involve a commute.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare in Afton, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists for quality childcare in the Afton area can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. Many popular family childcare homes in Afton have small capacities and may only have openings when an older child transitions to preschool, so networking with other local parents can provide leads. For centers in nearby towns, waitlists of 9-18 months for infants are not uncommon. Be prepared to place deposits on multiple waitlists. Contacting providers directly and asking about their enrollment cycle—many plan for fall openings in the spring—is a key strategy.
What outdoor and nature-based childcare opportunities are available, given Afton's proximity to Afton State Park and its rural environment?
Afton's natural setting is a major draw for families, and some childcare providers incorporate this into their programs. While there are no formally licensed "forest schools" within Afton proper, many local in-home providers prioritize outdoor play and frequent visits to local parks. Some may organize walks or activities connected to the Afton State Park trails. For more structured nature-based programs, you may find options in nearby Stillwater or the Twin Cities metro that offer farm- or nature-focused preschool curricula. When touring providers in Afton, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time policy, their use of natural play materials, and if they have certifications like Nature Explore. This aligns well with Minnesota's climate-appropriate outdoor play guidelines.