The Best Daycare Centers in Brandon, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brandon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brandon
Little Learners Child Care Center
Independent
Little Learners Child Care Center is a highly-regarded local facility known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They employ certified early childhood educators who implement a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features secure, age-appropriate classrooms with modern learning materials and a fenced outdoor playground. Their infant program maintains a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio with individualized care plans, while preschool classes focus on kindergarten readiness skills. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, and provides nutritious meals meeting USDA guidelines.
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New Horizon Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Alexandria and serving the Brandon area, New Horizon Daycare & Learning Center offers a structured educational environment with certified teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Their program includes Montessori-inspired activities, STEM learning stations, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, video monitoring, and recently renovated classrooms with natural lighting. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and employ staff with CPR/First Aid certification and ongoing professional development. The center is praised for its transparent communication and flexible scheduling options, including part-time and full-time care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
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Discovery World Child Development Center
Independent
Discovery World Child Development Center in Alexandria serves families throughout Douglas County, including Brandon residents. This center is recognized for its research-based Creative Curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. The facility features dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, multiple age-specific playgrounds, and indoor gross motor spaces for year-round physical activity. Their qualified teaching staff includes professionals with degrees in early childhood education who implement individualized learning plans and regular developmental assessments. The center offers enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish language exposure, along with organic meal options and extended hours to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brandon, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Brandon, MN?
In Brandon and the surrounding Douglas County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. Licensed family childcare homes typically range from $175 to $225 per week for infants and toddlers. Larger daycare centers, which may be located in nearby Alexandria (about a 15-minute drive), often charge between $200 and $275 per week. It's important to note that Brandon is a smaller community, so local in-home options may have limited slots, potentially affecting price and availability. Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for eligible families in Douglas County to help offset these costs.
How can I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Minnesota?
The State of Minnesota, through the Department of Human Services (DHS), licenses all childcare providers. You can verify the license status and review recent licensing reports for any provider in Brandon or Douglas County by using the "Look Up a License" feature on the Minnesota DHS website. This public portal shows the provider's license type (family, center, etc.), capacity, any licensing violations, and the date of their last review. Always choose a licensed provider, as they meet state standards for safety, staff training, and program quality. Unlicensed "legally non-licensed" care (caring for only one family's children unrelated to them) is not monitored by the state.
Are there any licensed daycare centers directly in Brandon, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
Brandon is a small city, so licensed daycare *centers* are not typically located within the city limits. Most licensed childcare options in Brandon itself are family childcare homes operated in a provider's residence. For parents seeking a center-based environment, the primary nearby option is the city of Alexandria (approx. 10 miles west), which hosts several licensed centers and preschools. Many Brandon families use a combination of local in-home care and centers in Alexandria. Checking with the Brandon-Evansville School District may also provide leads on preschool or school-age care programs.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycare in Brandon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Brandon, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. Contact local family childcare providers directly to inquire about openings and get on their lists. For centers in Alexandria, waitlists can also be several months long. Being flexible with your start date and having backup options (like a relative or a nanny share with another local family) is a practical strategy for parents in the Brandon area.
What resources are available in Douglas County to help me find and choose a childcare provider?
Your primary local resource is the Child Care Aware of Minnesota referral service. You can contact them online or by phone for a free, customized referral list of licensed providers in the Brandon and Douglas County area. They can filter by location, age of child, and hours needed. Additionally, the Douglas County Public Health department may have information on local childcare resources and early childhood programs. Many parents in small towns also find reliable providers through trusted personal networks, so asking for recommendations in local community Facebook groups or through the Brandon-Evansville school community can be very effective.