The Best Daycare Centers in Bingham Lake, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bingham Lake. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bingham Lake
New Horizons Daycare & Preschool
Independent Center
New Horizons Daycare & Preschool is a highly-regarded facility located just 8 miles from Bingham Lake in Windom. They offer a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, a large outdoor playground with safety surfaces, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and emphasize social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. Parents consistently praise their communication, experienced staff, and the nurturing environment they create for children.
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Mountain Lake Community Child Care Center
Independent Nonprofit
Located approximately 12 miles from Bingham Lake, Mountain Lake Community Child Care Center operates as a nonprofit organization serving the regional community. They feature a structured educational program that balances academic preparation with developmental appropriate practice. The center employs qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development requirements. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and physical education. The facility offers modern classrooms, separate nap areas, and age-specific outdoor play spaces. Parents appreciate their flexible scheduling options, inclusive environment, and strong community connections.
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Jack and Jill Preschool & Childcare
Independent Center
Jack and Jill Preschool & Childcare in Windom (8 miles from Bingham Lake) has built an excellent reputation over nearly two decades of service. They offer a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness through hands-on learning experiences and structured play. The center features degreed lead teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Their comprehensive program includes language development, mathematics concepts, science exploration, and social studies. The facility includes secure, well-equipped classrooms, a commercial kitchen providing healthy meals, and expansive outdoor play areas with modern safety equipment. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, experienced staff, and the visible developmental progress children make while attending.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bingham Lake, MN
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Bingham Lake, MN, and how do I find them?
In Bingham Lake, parents primarily have access to licensed family childcare homes and potentially a smaller center-based program. Family childcare homes are the most common, operating out of a provider's residence and offering a smaller, home-like setting for a mixed-age group. To find licensed providers, the most reliable resource is Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find a Child Care Provider" online search tool. You can filter by city (Bingham Lake), zip code (56118), and type of care. Additionally, contacting the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southwest Minnesota, which is Child Care Aware of Minnesota, can provide personalized referrals and information on current openings in the area.
Are there typically long waitlists for daycare in Bingham Lake, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small, rural community like Bingham Lake, waitlists can be common and sometimes lengthy, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, or as soon as you know you are expecting. Proactively contacting providers, even if they are currently full, to get on their waitlist is a standard practice. Be prepared to consider providers in nearby towns such as Windom or Mountain Lake as well, which may offer more options and shorter wait times.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Bingham Lake, and are there financial assistance programs available?
For Bingham Lake and surrounding Cottonwood County, the average cost for full-time care in a licensed family childcare home typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week per child, with infant care often at the higher end. Center-based care, if available locally, may be slightly higher. Minnesota offers several financial assistance programs to help eligible families. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary subsidy, and eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through your local county human services office (Cottonwood County Human Services). The state also offers tax credits like the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
What specific state licensing requirements and safety standards should I verify for a daycare in Bingham Lake?
All licensed providers in Bingham Lake must comply with Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing rules (Minnesota Rules, Chapter 9502). Key standards you can ask about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for preschoolers in a family home), background checks for all adults in the home, ongoing training in CPR/First Aid and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, safe sleep practices for infants, and emergency preparedness plans. Licensed providers are also subject to unannounced inspection visits. You can view a provider's licensing history, including any correction orders, on the DHS online licensing lookup portal.
What questions are particularly important to ask a potential daycare provider in a small town like Bingham Lake?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily routines, in a close-knit community like Bingham Lake, it's crucial to ask about their network and contingency plans. Ask: "What is your backup plan if you, as the sole provider, are sick or need a personal day?" (Some providers have a substitute network). "How do you handle emergency closures for severe Minnesota weather?" "Can you provide references from other local families?" Also, inquire about their involvement with local resources, such as the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs often offered through the Windom or Mountain Lake school districts, which they may utilize for screenings or activities. Understanding their connection to the community can offer insight into stability and support.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Bingham Lake: