The Best Daycare Centers in Clements, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clements. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clements
New Horizons Children's Center
New Horizons Children's Center
New Horizons Children's Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility located in nearby Marshall, serving families throughout the Clements area. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through age-appropriate activities. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low child-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes nutritious meal service, structured learning activities, and extensive outdoor play areas. What makes them stand out is their commitment to individualized learning plans and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool
Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool
Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool provides a nurturing Christian-based educational environment while serving families from Clements and surrounding communities. Their curriculum integrates faith-based values with early learning standards, focusing on literacy development, math readiness, and social skills. The center employs qualified early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development training. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and structured outdoor play areas. Their standout feature is the strong emphasis on character development and community involvement, along with flexible scheduling options for working families.
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TLC The Learning Center
TLC The Learning Center
TLC The Learning Center offers a research-based educational approach that serves Clements area families with comprehensive childcare solutions. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts through hands-on learning experiences and project-based activities. The center features degreed lead teachers, developmentally appropriate learning centers, and technology-integrated classrooms for older children. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, comprehensive video monitoring, and strict health protocols. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, spacious preschool classrooms, and secure outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. What distinguishes TLC is their focus on school readiness skills and their extensive enrichment programs including music, movement, and foreign language exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clements, MN
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Clements, MN?
In Clements and the surrounding Redwood County area, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare: licensed family childcare homes, which are small, home-based settings; licensed childcare centers, which are larger facilities; and certified in-home providers who care for children from a single unrelated family. Due to Clements' small, rural nature, most local options are family childcare homes. For more extensive center-based programs, parents often look to nearby larger towns like Redwood Falls or Marshall. All providers must be licensed or certified through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which ensures they meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and programming.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Clements?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Minnesota is the state's online "Find Child Care" tool through the Department of Human Services (DHS) website. You can search by city (Clements) or zip code to see a list of licensed family childcare homes and centers. This tool provides crucial information, including the provider's license status, capacity, and any recorded licensing violations. For local, word-of-mouth recommendations, connecting with the Redwood Area Community Center or the Redwood Falls Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program can be helpful, as they often have connections to providers in smaller communities like Clements.
What is the typical cost of daycare in Clements, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Clements and rural Minnesota, costs can vary. Licensed family childcare homes may charge between $30 to $45 per day for full-time infant/toddler care, while preschool-age care might be slightly less. Weekly rates often range from $150 to $220. These rates are generally lower than in metropolitan areas but are influenced by the provider's experience and services offered. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by Redwood County. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need for care due to work or education. It's crucial to apply through the county and ensure your chosen provider accepts CCAP subsidies.
Are waitlists common for childcare in Clements, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common due to the limited number of providers in small rural communities like Clements. High-quality licensed family childcare homes often have limited slots (e.g., 6-10 children total) and can fill up quickly. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current availability and waitlist policy. Being flexible with your start date and considering providers in neighboring towns (e.g., Wabasso, Lamberton) can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are the key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Clements, given its rural setting?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, parents in Clements should ask location-specific questions. These include: "What is your plan for severe weather or winter road closures, and how will you communicate with parents?" "Given our rural location, what are your policies on outdoor play and nature-based learning?" "How do you handle emergency medical situations, considering the distance to a major hospital?" Also, inquire about transportation if your child needs to be taken to a preschool program, and ask for references from other local families. Finally, confirm their licensing status with MN DHS and understand their schedule for holidays and agricultural planting/harvest seasons, which can impact family schedules in the area.