The Best Daycare Centers in Arlington, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Arlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Arlington
Little Explorers Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Little Explorers provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. They offer nutritious meal programs and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. The facility includes both indoor learning centers and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups.
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New Discoveries Learning Center
Independent
New Discoveries Learning Center offers a balanced curriculum that blends Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early education. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, creative expression, and developmental milestones tracking. The center employs state-licensed teachers with background-checked staff and maintains excellent safety records with secure facilities and comprehensive emergency protocols. They provide flexible scheduling options and include meals and snacks in their program. The center is known for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and strong community connections.
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New Horizon Kids Quest
Regional Chain
Located in nearby Chanhassen (serving the broader metro area including Arlington), New Horizon Kids Quest provides a comprehensive educational program with a focus on school readiness and character development. Their curriculum includes literacy enhancement, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies. The center features highly qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development, modern security systems including keypad entry, and well-maintained indoor and outdoor play areas. They offer enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish language exposure, along with nutritious meal plans and extended hours for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Arlington, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Arlington, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Arlington, MN, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the child's age and the type of provider. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week. A larger childcare center, which you may need to look for in nearby larger towns like Gaylord or Glencoe, typically ranges from $200 to $300 per week for infants, with slightly lower rates for toddlers and preschoolers. The State of Minnesota offers several financial assistance programs. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource, administered through Sibley County Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of West Central Minnesota or the Sibley County Community Health Services may have information on sliding-scale fees or temporary assistance grants for qualifying families.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Arlington?
All licensed childcare providers in Minnesota, including those in Arlington, are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's license and review their compliance history is to use the "Look Up a License" feature on the Minnesota DHS website. You can search by provider name, location, or license number. This public report will show the license status (active, suspended, etc.), capacity, ages served, and a history of any licensing actions, rule violations, or substantiated maltreatment findings. For an additional local perspective, you can contact the Sibley County Public Health Department, as they often have community knowledge of providers and can guide you on what specific regulations mean for your child's safety.
Are there any licensed in-home daycare providers in Arlington, and how do I find them?
Yes, Arlington and its immediate rural area have several licensed family childcare providers operating out of their homes. These are often a popular choice for their smaller, home-like settings and potentially more flexible hours. To find them, start with the Minnesota DHS online licensing lookup tool. You can also contact the **Child Care Aware of Minnesota** referral service (call 1-888-291-9811 or use their online search). They maintain an updated database and can provide a list of licensed providers in the 55307 zip code and surrounding area. Additionally, local resources like the Arlington Community Education office, bulletin boards at Jerry's Grocery or the Arlington Pharmacy, and community Facebook groups (e.g., "Arlington, MN Community Page") are often used by providers to advertise openings.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers serving Arlington families, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of large childcare centers within Arlington itself, many families utilize centers in neighboring communities like Gaylord (approx. 10 miles away) or Hutchinson (approx. 20 miles away). Waitlist times can be significant, especially for infant care, often ranging from 6 to 12 months or more. To secure a spot, it's advisable to begin your search and get on lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Contact centers directly to understand their specific enrollment process. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee. Expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Arlington can provide more immediate options, as they often have smaller capacities and shorter wait times. Being flexible with your start date can also help.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-age children in Arlington?
For school-age children, the most structured option is the **Arlington-Green Isle-Sibley East Community Schools' School Age Care (SAC) program**. This district-run program typically offers before-school and after-school care at the elementary school, as well as full-day care on most non-school days (e.g., teacher workshop days, some holidays). Space can be limited, so early registration is key. For more flexible or drop-in care, your options are primarily licensed family childcare homes that accept school-age children. Some may offer transportation from the school to their home. There are no dedicated commercial drop-in daycare centers in Arlington. For occasional needs, networking with other parents for babysitting swaps or checking local caregiver listings on community boards can be helpful. The Arlington Public Library also offers after-school programs that can provide supervised activity for a short period.