The Best Daycare Centers in Erhard, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Erhard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Erhard
Tender Hearts Childcare & Preschool
Tender Hearts Childcare
Tender Hearts Childcare & Preschool is a highly-regarded facility serving the Erhard area from nearby Fergus Falls. They implement a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM concepts. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, state-certified early childhood educators, and a secure facility with monitored access. Their program includes nutritious meal service, indoor and outdoor play spaces, and age-appropriate learning centers. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment and strong communication from staff. The center maintains excellent state licensing records and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
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New Discoveries Learning Center
New Discoveries Learning Center
New Discoveries Learning Center provides high-quality childcare services to families in the Erhard region from their Perham location. They offer a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features dedicated infant rooms with primary caregiver assignments, qualified early childhood teachers with ongoing professional development, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. Their program includes music and movement, early literacy development, and hands-on science exploration. The facility maintains excellent state compliance records and receives consistent praise for its clean, organized environment and engaged, qualified staff.
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TLC The Learning Center
TLC Childcare Centers
TLC The Learning Center serves the Erhard community from their Detroit Lakes location with a focus on developmental appropriateness and individualized care. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Montessori-inspired practical life activities and structured academic preparation. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains small group sizes for personalized attention. Safety features include keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers bright, well-equipped classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents highlight the center's strong communication, experienced staff, and consistent quality of care across all age groups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Erhard, MN
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Erhard, MN?
In Erhard and the surrounding Otter Tail County area, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare: licensed family childcare homes, licensed child care centers, and certified relative/in-home providers. Given Erhard's small, rural nature, licensed family childcare homes are the most common option within the city itself, often run by providers in their residences. For center-based care, parents may need to look in nearby larger towns like Fergus Falls (about a 20-minute drive). All licensed providers in Minnesota must meet state standards for health, safety, staff training, and program development. You can search for all licensed and certified options in the area using Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online tool.
How can I find and get on a waitlist for daycare in Erhard, given the limited options?
Due to limited providers in a small community like Erhard, waitlists are common. The most direct approach is to contact providers individually. Start by using the state's online search tool and calling every licensed family childcare home in Erhard and nearby zip codes. Be prepared to ask about current openings, waitlist procedures, and estimated wait times. It's also highly recommended to contact the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for your region, which is often through the Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership serving Otter Tail County. They maintain local provider lists and can help you identify options you might have missed. For the best chance, get on multiple waitlists and consider providers in neighboring communities like Pelican Rapids or Fergus Falls.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Erhard, MN?
Childcare costs in rural Minnesota like Erhard are generally lower than in metropolitan areas, but availability heavily influences price. For a licensed family childcare home in Erhard, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Childcare centers in nearby Fergus Falls may range from $200 to $275 per week. These rates are estimates, and you should confirm directly with providers. It's crucial to ask what the weekly fee includes (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). Minnesota also offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for income-eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Your local county human services office can provide eligibility information.
What are the key questions to ask a potential in-home daycare provider in Erhard during a visit?
When visiting a licensed family childcare home in Erhard, go beyond basic licensing. Ask provider-specific questions: "What is your daily schedule and philosophy on learning and play?" "How do you handle meals, naps, and outdoor time, especially in Minnesota winters?" "What is your sick policy and backup plan if you, the provider, are ill?" "Can you provide references from current or past families in the community?" Also, verify their license is current and ask about their training in CPR, First Aid, and SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death). Inquire about their experience with children of your child's age and how they communicate with parents. Trust your instincts about the home's safety and warmth.
Are there any local resources or programs in Otter Tail County that help parents pay for or find quality childcare?
Yes, several local and state resources are available to Erhard parents. First, contact the **Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership**, which serves as the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for the region. They offer free referrals, information on quality indicators, and may know of upcoming openings. For financial assistance, apply for the **Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)** through the Otter Tail County Human Services department. Additionally, you can check the **Parent Aware** rating system (Minnesota's quality rating system) for providers who have volunteered to be rated; a 4-star rating indicates a high-quality learning environment. While fewer providers in very rural areas may be rated, it's a useful tool for evaluating options in nearby towns.