The Best Daycare Centers in Carver, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carver. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carver
Bright Horizons at Chaska Corporate Center
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Chaska Corporate Center offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum focusing on language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low child-to-teacher ratios, and state-of-the-art security systems. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized development tracking. The facility includes age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, dedicated art and music areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the center's excellent communication, experienced staff, and stimulating learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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New Horizon Academy - Chaska
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy in Chaska provides a structured educational environment with a focus on school readiness through their proprietary curriculum that includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning centers for different age groups. Parents consistently highlight the center's nurturing atmosphere, experienced teachers, and strong emphasis on both academic and social development.
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The Goddard School of Chanhassen
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Chanhassen offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and ongoing professional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and specialized learning areas for art, music, and technology. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive monitoring, and strict health guidelines. Parents appreciate the school's balanced approach to education, excellent communication, and focus on developing confident, curious learners ready for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carver, MN
What are the typical costs for daycare in Carver, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Carver, MN, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of care. For an infant at a licensed center, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,500 monthly, while preschool-age care often costs $1,000 to $1,300. Licensed family childcare homes are generally 10-20% less expensive. For financial assistance, Carver County families can apply for the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies based on income and family size. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Carver County Health and Human Services department for the most current eligibility guidelines and application process.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Carver, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality licensed daycare centers in Carver can be significant, especially for infant care, where waits of 6 to 12 months are not uncommon. For toddler and preschool spots, waits may be 3 to 6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers (both in Carver and nearby communities like Chanhassen or Chaska) to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is standard practice. Follow up with centers every 2-3 months to confirm your interest remains active. Also, consider licensed family childcare providers, who often have shorter wait times and can offer a more home-like setting.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Carver, and how can I verify a provider's license status?
All childcare providers in Carver must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) if they care for unrelated children. Key requirements include background studies for all household members and staff, health and safety training (including CPR and first aid), annual continuing education, compliance with staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), and regular inspections of the facility. You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and read any licensing reports through the Minnesota DHS "Look Up a License" website. It's a crucial step for parents to ensure the provider meets state-mandated health, safety, and program standards.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Carver that focus on outdoor or nature-based learning?
Yes, there is a growing interest in nature-based early education in the Carver area. While Carver itself is a smaller community, several nearby centers and family childcare providers in Carver County incorporate outdoor learning as a core part of their curriculum. Some may have dedicated "forest school" days or extensive outdoor classrooms. Given Carver's proximity to the Minnesota River Valley and local parks, many providers utilize these natural resources. The best way to find these programs is to search for "nature-based preschool" or "outdoor daycare" in Carver County on local parent Facebook groups or the DHS licensing lookup, and directly ask providers about their outdoor philosophy and daily schedule during tours.
What options exist for part-time or drop-in childcare in Carver, MN, for parents with irregular schedules?
Finding consistent part-time or drop-in care in Carver can be challenging, as most licensed centers require full-time enrollment to maintain stable staffing and revenue. Your best options are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible arrangements like 2-3 days per week, or care during specific shifts. Some centers in larger neighboring cities like Chaska may offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5. For occasional drop-in care, services like Urban Sitter or Care.com can help you find local, background-checked sitters, but licensed drop-in centers are scarce. Planning ahead and building a relationship with a flexible home-based provider is often the most reliable solution for irregular schedules in the Carver area.