The Best Daycare Centers in Barrett, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barrett. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barrett
Little Learners Child Care Center
Independent
Little Learners Child Care Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving Barrett and surrounding communities with a comprehensive early childhood education program. They implement a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with an average of 8+ years experience, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. The center is known for its strong parent communication, nutritious meal program, and focus on individualized learning plans that track developmental milestones. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular emergency drills, and comprehensive staff background checks.
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Kiddie Korner Childcare
Independent
Kiddie Korner Childcare has been serving Barrett families for over 15 years with a reputation for personalized care and developmental focus. Their curriculum blends Montessori principles with traditional early childhood education, emphasizing hands-on learning and independence. The center employs state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. The center is particularly noted for its flexible scheduling options, inclusive environment, and strong emphasis on literacy development through daily reading programs and library access.
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Bright Horizons at Alexandria
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Alexandria serves families throughout the Barrett area with their nationally-recognized early education program located approximately 20 minutes away. This center implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum, which focuses on emergent learning through exploration and discovery. The facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated art and music rooms, and secure outdoor learning environments. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators with ongoing professional development requirements. The center is known for its comprehensive safety protocols, including health screening systems, secured perimeters, and emergency preparedness training. They offer enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish language exposure, along with strong parent partnership through regular progress reports and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barrett, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Barrett, MN?
In Barrett and the surrounding Grant County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for an infant. Center-based care in nearby larger towns like Elbow Lake or Morris tends to be higher, often ranging from $200 to $300 per week. It's important to note that Barrett is a smaller, rural community, so options within the city limits are limited, and many families utilize in-home providers or commute to neighboring towns. Financial assistance is available through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How do I find and verify licensed childcare providers in or near Barrett, MN?
The primary resource for finding licensed providers is Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" website and lookup tool. You can search by zip code (56311) or city to see licensed family childcare homes and centers. For Barrett specifically, you will likely see a small number of licensed family homes. Always verify the license status, review any posted licensing actions, and check the provider's star rating (Minnesota's Parent Aware system). Given the limited local options, also consider expanding your search to Elbow Lake (10 miles west) or Herman (12 miles south). Contacting the Grant County Social Services office can also provide local referrals.
Are there any preschool programs integrated into daycare options in Barrett?
Barrett itself does not have a dedicated public preschool, but several childcare providers in the area incorporate early learning curricula. Many licensed family childcare homes and centers participate in Minnesota's Parent Aware system, which rates programs on their school readiness practices. Some providers may partner with the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs offered through the West Central Area School District, which serves Barrett. For a structured preschool experience, parents often look to programs in neighboring communities like Elbow Lake or Morris, which may require separate enrollment from daycare. It's best to ask individual providers in Barrett if they follow a specific preschool curriculum for ages 3-5.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycare in Barrett, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Barrett, waitlists are common and can be lengthy, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, or even during pregnancy. When contacting a provider, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy. Be prepared to place deposits on multiple waitlists. Flexibility with your start date and considering providers in the surrounding rural areas (e.g., Hoffman, Kensington) can improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the key questions to ask a potential in-home daycare provider in a rural setting like Barrett?
When evaluating a family childcare home in Barrett, beyond standard questions about schedule and cost, ask these location-relevant questions: 1) What is your backup plan for severe weather (like Minnesota blizzards) or if you, the provider, are sick? 2) How do you handle transportation or field trips given our rural location? 3) What is your policy for school-age children on days when Barrett Public School has late starts or closures? 4) Can you describe your outdoor play space and safety measures? 5) Are you connected to other local providers for support and resources? Also, confirm they are licensed, have current CPR/first aid training, and ask for references from other local families.