The Best Daycare Centers in Brainerd, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brainerd. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brainerd
Little Treasures Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Treasures provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. They emphasize outdoor learning and offer nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment and strong communication from staff.
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Kid's Korner Child Care Center
Independent
Kid's Korner offers a family-owned childcare experience with a focus on individualized attention and developmental milestones. The center uses Creative Curriculum with structured learning centers and hands-on activities. Staff members are CPR/first aid certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure video monitoring, separate age-specific play areas, and a large indoor gym for active play. They provide transportation to local schools and offer flexible scheduling options. The center is noted for its inclusive environment and strong community connections.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Baxter
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Brainerd lakes area with nationally accredited early childhood programs. They implement a research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The facility offers enrichment programs including music, phonics, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment and comprehensive progress reporting system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brainerd, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Brainerd, MN, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Brainerd, MN, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of provider. For an infant at a licensed center, you can expect to pay between $225 and $300 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $180 to $250 per week. Family childcare homes are often slightly less expensive. These rates are generally lower than those in the Twin Cities metro area but are a significant portion of household budgets. For financial assistance, Crow Wing County administers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low- and moderate-income families. Additionally, many local providers participate in the state's Early Learning Scholarships program. It's recommended to contact the Crow Wing County Community Services department or Child Care Aware of Minnesota for personalized guidance on applying for aid.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Brainerd, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Brainerd can be substantial, especially for infant care, where waits of 6 to 12 months are not uncommon. For toddler and preschool rooms, waits may be 3 to 6 months. The demand often exceeds supply in the region. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up with centers every 2-3 months to confirm your spot and express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the surrounding areas of Baxter, Nisswa, or Fort Ripley, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a similar quality of care.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Minnesota, and how can I verify a provider's license and complaint history in Brainerd?
Minnesota has strict licensing standards set by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Requirements include background checks, training in CPR/First Aid and SIDS/Shaken Baby Syndrome, ongoing professional development, and meeting specific ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers) and group sizes. All licensed centers and family childcare homes are subject to regular unannounced inspections. To verify a Brainerd provider's license and review their history, you can use the **Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup** tool online. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, any licensing violations (called "corrections"), and substantiated maltreatment findings. You can also call the DHS Licensing Division's Northern Region office, which oversees Crow Wing County, for additional information.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Brainerd that cater to specific needs, like part-time, drop-in, or care for children with special needs?
Yes, Brainerd offers several unique options beyond traditional full-time care. For part-time or drop-in care, facilities like the **YMCA of the Northwoods** in Brainerd may offer flexible preschool or childcare programs, though availability can vary. For school-age children, the Brainerd Community Education department provides affordable before-and-after-school care at various elementary schools. Regarding special needs, the **Mid-State Education District** works with local childcare providers to offer Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services. Providers like **New Horizon Preschool & Childcare** have experience integrating children with diverse needs. For specialized care, parents should contact the **Crow Wing County Social Services** to connect with providers who have specific training or adaptable environments.
What resources are available in Brainerd to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary local resource is **Child Care Aware of Minnesota**, which offers free, personalized referrals for Brainerd and Crow Wing County. You can call their referral line or use their online search tool to find licensed providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). For evaluation, use Minnesota's **Parent Aware** rating system—a voluntary quality rating program for early learning programs. A 3- or 4-star Parent Aware rating indicates a provider uses best practices in school readiness. You can search for rated providers on the Parent Aware website. Additionally, the **Brainerd Public Library** and **Crow Wing County Public Health** often have resource lists and can provide guidance. Always schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and observe the environment during your visit.