The Best Daycare Centers in Clearwater, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clearwater. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clearwater
Bright Horizons at St. Cloud
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at St. Cloud is a highly-regarded national childcare provider serving the Clearwater area with NAEYC-accredited programs. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and STEM activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low child-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and comprehensive parent communication through daily reports and digital updates. The center is known for its strong focus on school readiness and social-emotional development.
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New Horizon Academy - Monticello
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy in Monticello is a respected regional chain serving families in the Clearwater area with comprehensive early childhood programs. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center maintains high standards with degreed lead teachers, ongoing staff training, and state-of-the-art security systems including secure entry and surveillance. They provide balanced meals following USDA guidelines, age-appropriate learning centers, and structured outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, along with flexible scheduling options.
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Stepping Stones Early Learning Center
Stepping Stones Early Learning Center
Stepping Stones Early Learning Center in St. Cloud provides high-quality childcare services to Clearwater families with a focus on individualized development. Their Creative Curriculum approach integrates play-based learning with structured academic preparation, emphasizing language development, cognitive skills, and social competence. The center features experienced teaching staff with early childhood credentials, maintained low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with comprehensive safety protocols. They offer nutritious meal programs, spacious indoor learning environments, and well-equipped outdoor play areas. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent partnerships, regular developmental assessments, and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clearwater, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clearwater, MN?
In Clearwater and the surrounding Wright County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 per week for infant care. For a licensed family childcare home, rates are often slightly lower, typically ranging from $200 to $280 per week. These costs are generally in line with the Minnesota state average, though they can be higher than in more rural parts of the state. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Many providers in the area also require a non-refundable registration fee, often between $50 and $150.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Clearwater is properly licensed and in good standing?
All licensed childcare providers in Minnesota are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status is to use the state's online "Look Up a License" tool on the DHS website. You can search by the provider's name, facility name, or location. This report will show the license type (Family, Center, etc.), capacity, any serious licensing violations (called "corrective actions"), and the date of the last inspection. For Clearwater specifically, you can also contact the Wright County Human Services department for local resources and information. Always visit the facility in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current license.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Clearwater, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers and popular in-home providers in Clearwater. For infant care (children under 16 months), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is recommended. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to be on it? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time? Exploring options in nearby communities like St. Cloud or Monticello may also increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What childcare assistance programs are available for families in Clearwater, MN?
Families in Clearwater may qualify for financial assistance through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). This state program helps low- and moderate-income families pay for childcare so parents can work or attend school. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and reason for care. You apply through Wright County Human Services. Additionally, many local daycare providers participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which helps ensure nutritious meals and snacks. For military families, there may be fee assistance through programs like NACCRRA. It's also worth asking individual providers if they offer any sibling discounts or sliding scale fees based on income.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a daycare center in Clearwater?
The two main licensed options in Clearwater offer distinct environments. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** are run out of the provider's residence, typically caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 10 children, with no more than 2 under 16 months). They often offer more flexible hours and a home-like setting, which can be comforting. **Licensed Childcare Centers** are commercial facilities with multiple staff, separate classrooms by age, and often a more structured educational curriculum. They may have more resources and backup staff but can be less flexible with schedules. Both are held to Minnesota's same core health, safety, and training standards. Your choice will depend on your child's personality, your schedule, and whether you prefer a consistent single caregiver or a team-based approach.