The Best Daycare Centers in Dennison, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dennison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dennison
Kindercare Learning Center
Kindercare Education LLC
Kindercare Learning Center in Northfield is a highly-rated childcare facility serving the Dennison area with a comprehensive educational approach. They follow a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through play-based learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low child-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their program includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports and regular conferences, with a focus on individualized learning plans to track developmental milestones. Safety protocols include rigorous cleanliness standards and emergency preparedness drills.
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New Horizon Academy - Faribault
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy in Faribault is a trusted childcare provider serving Dennison families with a strong emphasis on early childhood development and school readiness. Their curriculum integrates STEM activities, literacy, and creative arts, supported by qualified teachers who participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains high safety standards with secured access, video monitoring, and strict hygiene protocols. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. They offer flexible scheduling and nutritious meals, with a focus on inclusive practices and cultural diversity. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular updates and family events, ensuring a collaborative approach to each child's growth.
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Northfield Children's Center
Independent
Northfield Children's Center is a community-focused childcare facility known for its nurturing environment and high-quality educational programs serving the Dennison area. They employ a play-based, developmental approach aligned with Minnesota early learning standards, led by experienced staff with backgrounds in early childhood education. The center features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a safe, clean facility with secure entry systems. Programs include enrichment activities like music, art, and physical education, along with healthy snack options. They emphasize social skills and emotional regulation, with strong parent-teacher partnerships through daily communication and progress reports. Their long-standing reputation is built on consistency and dedicated care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dennison, MN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Dennison, MN?
In Dennison and the surrounding Goodhue County area, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare. These include licensed family childcare homes, which are operated in a provider's residence and often have a smaller, home-like setting. There are also licensed childcare centers, which are larger facilities, though these may be more prevalent in nearby cities like Northfield or Faribault. Additionally, you may find license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor care, but for regulated care, Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing ensures health, safety, and developmental standards are met. Due to Dennison's smaller size, family childcare homes are often the most readily available local option.
How can I check the licensing and complaint history of a daycare provider in Dennison?
The State of Minnesota provides a crucial public resource called "Minnesota’s Child Care Licensing Lookup." You can access this online database through the Minnesota Department of Human Services website. By searching for a provider's name or location in Dennison (ZIP code 55018), you can view their current license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated complaints from the past few years. It's also highly recommended to contact the local DHS Licensing Division for Goodhue County for any recent updates and to ask the provider directly for references from current families.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Dennison, and is there financial assistance available?
In Dennison and rural Goodhue County, full-time childcare for an infant in a licensed family home typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week. Toddler care may be slightly less, around $160 to $210 per week. These rates are generally lower than in the Twin Cities metro but can vary based on the provider's experience, hours, and included services. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for eligible families based on income and need. You apply through Goodhue County Human Services. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Dennison, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for licensed childcare in Dennison due to limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers. High-quality family childcare homes often have small capacities (6-12 children) and can fill up quickly. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to start inquiring during your second trimester. Be prepared to contact multiple providers, get on several waitlists, and follow up periodically. Networking with other local parents through community groups can sometimes lead to learning about upcoming openings.
What local resources or organizations in Goodhue County can help me find and evaluate childcare in Dennison?
Your primary local resource is **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) for Southern Minnesota**, which serves Goodhue County. They maintain a searchable database of licensed providers, offer guidance on choosing quality care, and explain financial assistance options. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Goodhue County Public Health Department** can provide information on health and safety standards. For community-based tips, consider joining local Facebook groups like "Dennison, MN Community" or "Goodhue County Parents" to get personal recommendations and learn about smaller, in-home providers that may not be widely advertised.