The Best Daycare Centers in Coleraine, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Coleraine. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Coleraine
Itasca Area Family YMCA Childcare Center
Itasca Area Family YMCA
The Itasca Area Family YMCA Childcare Center serves the broader Coleraine area with a comprehensive early childhood education program focused on whole-child development. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy development, and physical activity through the YMCA's evidence-based approach. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios, and offers nutritious meal programs. Safety is prioritized with secure facilities, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The program includes outdoor learning spaces, structured play-based learning, and strong parent communication systems. As a nonprofit organization, they offer sliding scale fees and scholarship opportunities for qualifying families.
Daycare Services:
Little Discoveries Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Discoveries provides high-quality early childhood education with a strong emphasis on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their research-based curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Montessori-inspired hands-on learning activities. The center features dedicated infant rooms with primary caregiver models, spacious toddler environments with sensory exploration areas, and comprehensive preschool programs focusing on literacy, math, and social skills. Staff members hold early childhood degrees and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with natural lighting. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention, and nurturing environment that supports each child's unique development.
Daycare Services:
Kids Corner Child Care Center
Independent
Kids Corner Child Care Center has served the Grand Rapids/Coleraine area for nearly two decades with a reputation for exceptional care and educational excellence. Their program balances structured learning with child-directed exploration, using developmentally appropriate practices aligned with Minnesota early learning standards. The center offers comprehensive infant care with individualized feeding and sleeping schedules, toddler programs focusing on language development and independence, and preschool curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success. Features include low teacher-to-child ratios, degreed lead teachers, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and nutritious homemade meals. The center maintains strong partnerships with local schools and community organizations, providing a well-rounded experience that supports family needs in the Coleraine service area.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Coleraine, MN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Coleraine, MN?
In Coleraine, families primarily have access to licensed family childcare homes and center-based programs. Given Coleraine's smaller, rural community within Itasca County, family childcare homes are a common and popular option, often offering a home-like setting with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. Center-based care may require travel to nearby larger towns like Grand Rapids. All licensed providers in Minnesota must meet state standards for health, safety, staff training, and program activities. You can search for all licensed options in the Coleraine area through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" website or by contacting the local Child Care Resource & Referral agency for Itasca County.
How can I check the licensing and complaint history of a daycare provider in Coleraine?
Minnesota maintains transparent public records for all licensed childcare providers. To check a specific provider in Coleraine, you can use the "Look Up a License" feature on the Minnesota DHS website. This report will show the provider's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated maltreatment findings from the past three years. For the most current and nuanced information, it is highly recommended to also contact the DHS Licensing Division's Northern Region office, which oversees Itasca County. They can provide context on any compliance history. Always schedule an in-person visit to ask the provider directly about any noted issues.
Are there any childcare assistance programs or subsidies available to Coleraine residents to help with costs?
Yes, eligible families in Coleraine can apply for the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). This state and federally funded 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 Itasca County Health and Human Services. Additionally, some local employers or community organizations may offer assistance or flexible spending account (FSA) options. Given the limited number of providers, it's crucial to confirm that your chosen Coleraine-area provider accepts CCAP payments, as not all private providers are required to participate.
What is the typical cost for infant daycare in Coleraine, and should I expect a waitlist?
Costs can vary, but for infant care in the Coleraine area, you can expect to pay approximately $175-$250 per week for a licensed family childcare home. Center-based care in Grand Rapids may be higher. Due to Coleraine's size and limited provider options, waitlists are very common, especially for infants and toddlers, who require lower staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
What local resources in Itasca County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Coleraine?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Aware of Minnesota** network. They operate a regional Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) office that serves Itasca County. You can contact them for a personalized referral list of licensed and certified providers in and around Coleraine. They also offer guidance on what to look for during visits, understanding quality indicators, and navigating financial assistance. Furthermore, connecting with local parent groups on social media or through community centers in Coleraine or Grand Rapids can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations and availability.