The Best Daycare Centers in Andover, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Andover. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Andover
New Horizon Academy - Andover
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy in Andover is part of Minnesota's largest and most established childcare network, providing comprehensive early education programs. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness through structured learning activities, creative play, and social development. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood degrees, and age-appropriate learning environments. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and regular parent communication through digital daily reports. The facility maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and follows NAEYC-inspired standards for early childhood education.
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The Goddard School of Andover
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Andover offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their state-licensed teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features modern classrooms, secure keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, and multiple outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education. Parents receive regular updates through the Goddard Connect app, and the center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols including comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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New Horizon Academy - Coon Rapids (serving Andover area)
New Horizon Academy
This highly-rated Coon Rapids location serves families in the broader Andover area with a comprehensive early childhood program focused on developmental milestones. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning centers. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. They provide balanced meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play spaces, and transportation for school-age children. The program includes regular assessments and parent-teacher conferences to track child progress and ensure kindergarten readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Andover, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Andover, MN, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Andover, MN, the cost of full-time daycare varies by age and type of provider. For infants, you can expect to pay between $1,400 to $1,800 per month at a licensed center, while toddler care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. In-home family childcare is often more affordable, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by the provider's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Anoka County families can apply for the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies based on income and family size. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with your employer, as some companies in the Twin Cities metro area offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Andover, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists in Andover can be significant, especially for infant rooms at highly-rated centers, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. For toddler and preschool programs, wait times are generally shorter, around 3 to 6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. Get on multiple waitlists (both centers and licensed family providers), and be proactive—follow up with providers every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Coon Rapids, Blaine, or Ramsey, which may have more immediate openings. Many Andover centers use online portals for waitlist management, so ensure your contact information is current.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Andover, and how can I verify a provider's compliance and quality?
All childcare providers in Andover must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which sets standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program activities. Licensed providers undergo background checks, annual training in CPR/First Aid and SIDS/Shaken Baby Syndrome, and regular unannounced inspections. To verify a provider's status and review their licensing history, including any violations, you can use the "Look Up a License" tool on the Minnesota DHS website. Additionally, many Andover providers participate in Minnesota's Parent Aware Quality Rating System, a voluntary program that rates providers on best practices for early learning. A 4-star rating is the highest, indicating alignment with school readiness goals.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Andover that focus on outdoor or nature-based learning, given Minnesota's seasons?
Yes, Andover and the surrounding Anoka County area have several providers embracing nature-based learning, which is popular in Minnesota for fostering resilience and connection to the environment. Some local centers incorporate daily outdoor play in all weather (with appropriate gear), forest school principles, or dedicated outdoor classrooms. While fully outdoor "forest preschools" are more common in the broader Twin Cities, specific Andover providers may offer robust outdoor curricula. It's best to inquire directly about their outdoor philosophy, policies on outdoor time during winter, and if they provide or require specific outdoor clothing. The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education preschool programs, which serve Andover, also often include strong outdoor components.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare in Andover if my regular provider is closed or my child is mildly ill?
Finding backup care in Andover can be challenging, but several options exist. Some local daycare centers offer occasional "drop-in" care slots if space is available, though this is rare for infants. A more reliable solution is to use licensed family childcare homes, which may have more flexibility. For children with mild, non-contagious illnesses, a few specialized "sick child" centers operate in the Twin Cities metro, though none are located directly in Andover—you would need to travel to nearby suburbs like Maple Grove or Minneapolis. Alternatively, consider joining local parent networks on social media (e.g., Andover, MN Community Facebook groups) to find trusted babysitters or nanny shares for emergency situations. Planning ahead with a list of 2-3 backup sitters is highly recommended.