The Best Daycare Centers in Delano, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Delano. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Delano
KinderCare Learning Center of Buffalo
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare in Buffalo serves the Delano area with a comprehensive early childhood education program emphasizing play-based learning and developmental milestones. The curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills through structured activities and free play. All teachers are CPR and first aid certified, with ongoing training in early childhood education. The facility features secure keypad entry, age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gyms, and outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the center for its strong communication, engaging learning environment, and attention to individual child needs, making it a trusted choice for families in the region.
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The Goddard School of Maple Grove
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Maple Grove offers a F.L.EX.® Learning Program that blends academic readiness with play-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. The school emphasizes character development, literacy, and social-emotional learning through hands-on experiences. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. Safety measures include secured entrances, daily health checks, and allergy-aware meal programs. Highly rated for its inclusive environment, parent engagement, and modern facilities, it serves Delano families seeking a balanced and enriching childcare experience.
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Primrose School of Rogers
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Rogers follows the Balanced Learning® curriculum, integrating academics, character development, and play. Programs include music, art, physical education, and literacy activities designed to foster independence and curiosity. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, with educators trained in child development and safety protocols. Facilities feature secure access, spacious classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Parents highlight the school's structured yet nurturing approach, excellent communication, and focus on holistic development, making it a top choice for Delano-area families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Delano, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Delano, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Delano, MN, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of provider. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 per month at a licensed center, while toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,300 per month. In-home licensed family childcare is often slightly less, averaging $800 to $1,100 monthly. These rates are influenced by Delano's location within the Twin Cities metro area. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families, administered through Wright County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Wright County Human Services office or check the Minnesota Department of Human Services website for the latest CCAP eligibility guidelines and application process.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Delano, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at daycare centers and highly-rated in-home providers in Delano can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infant care. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities as early as the first trimester of pregnancy to secure a spot. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3-6 month lead time is still advisable. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to be on it? How often do they update families on their position? Do they guarantee a spot? Proactively checking in every few months can also be helpful.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Delano, and how can I verify a provider's license and history?
All childcare providers in Delano must be licensed by the State of Minnesota through the Department of Human Services (DHS), unless they are caring for only related children or one single family's children unrelated to them. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and training standards, including background checks, CPR/first aid certification, safe sleep practices for infants, and annual training. To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you can use the public "Look Up a License" tool on the Minnesota DHS website. This report shows the license status, capacity, any serious licensing violations (called "corrections and conditional licenses"), and the date of the last review. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure baseline protections for your child.
Are there any unique childcare options in Delano that cater to families with non-traditional work hours or agricultural schedules?
Delano's blend of a commuter community and its agricultural surroundings means some families need care outside standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM hours. While options are limited, they do exist. A few licensed family childcare homes in the area may offer early morning, evening, or occasional weekend care to accommodate shift workers at local plants or healthcare facilities. For families involved in seasonal farming, some providers may offer more flexible drop-in or part-time arrangements during peak seasons, though this is not common. Your best approach is to be upfront about your schedule needs when interviewing providers. Additionally, exploring nanny shares with another local family might be a viable solution for covering irregular hours. The Delano community Facebook groups are often a good place to inquire about these specific arrangements.
What resources are available in Delano to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Delano is through **Child Care Aware of Minnesota**. You can use their online search tool or speak with a referral specialist by calling 1-888-291-9811. They provide free, personalized referrals based on your location, child's age, schedule, and needs. For local evaluation, start by asking for recommendations in community hubs like the Delano Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program or local pediatrician offices. The City of Delano website and community social media pages often have discussions about providers. When evaluating, always schedule an in-person tour, ask for references from current parents, and use the Minnesota DHS licensing lookup tool to check for violations. Trust your instincts about the environment and how caregivers interact with children.