The Best Daycare Centers in Excelsior, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Excelsior. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Excelsior
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Minnetonka is a highly-rated facility serving the Excelsior area with a comprehensive, play-based curriculum designed to foster social, emotional, and academic development. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Teachers are trained in early childhood education and maintain low child-to-staff ratios. The program includes literacy, math, and science activities, along with nutritious meals and regular parent communication. It stands out for its robust safety protocols, inclusive environment, and flexible scheduling options for families.
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Primrose School of Minnetonka
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Minnetonka offers a Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities to promote holistic development. The center emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM education in a safe, nurturing environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, indoor gyms, and outdoor playgrounds with secure access. Staff are highly qualified with background checks and ongoing training. Parents appreciate the strong communication, cultural diversity, and focus on developmental milestones, making it a top choice for Excelsior families seeking quality childcare.
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The Goddard School of Minnetonka
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Minnetonka provides a F.L.E.X.® Learning Program that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and social skills through play-based and academic activities. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific learning zones, and outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in professional development. Highlights include a focus on individualized learning, nutritious meal programs, and regular progress updates for parents. Its reputation for safety, engaging curriculum, and community involvement makes it a reliable option for Excelsior residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Excelsior, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Excelsior, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Excelsior and the surrounding Lake Minnetonka area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month, while toddler care averages $1,400 to $1,800 per month. Preschool programs often cost between $1,000 and $1,500 monthly. These rates are generally higher than the Minnesota state average, reflecting the area's cost of living. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for qualifying families, administered through Hennepin County. Additionally, many local centers offer sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring about scholarships; some Excelsior-area providers, like New Horizon Academy and the Minnetonka Community Education Early Childhood Family Center, may have limited need-based aid or sliding scale options.
How long are waitlists for licensed childcare centers in Excelsior, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed centers in Excelsior can be substantial, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, we recommend contacting centers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or 9-12 months before your needed start date. Get on multiple lists (3-5 is common) and be proactive. Follow up with centers every 2-3 months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Minnetonka, Shorewood, or Chanhassen, which may have shorter wait times while remaining a manageable commute. Many Excelsior parents also find success with licensed family childcare homes, which can have more immediate availability.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Minnesota, and how can I verify a provider's license and history in Excelsior?
All childcare providers caring for unrelated children in Minnesota must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) or be a legally licensed-exempt provider (like certain family members). Licensed centers and family homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety training, background checks, health practices, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you can use the "Look Up a License" tool on the Minnesota DHS website. This public record shows the license status, capacity, any serious licensing violations (called "corrective actions"), and the date of the last inspection. For Excelsior-specific providers, you can also contact the Hennepin County Public Health Department's Child Care Licensing unit for additional local context or concerns.
Are there unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Excelsior area?
Yes, Excelsior's location on Lake Minnetonka and proximity to parks and trails fosters several nature-focused childcare options. Some local providers, including certain licensed family childcare homes, incorporate "forest school" principles with daily outdoor exploration, regardless of weather. The Three Rivers Park District, which manages nearby parks like Noerenberg Gardens and the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, sometimes partners with preschools for educational programs. Additionally, the Minnetonka Community Education Early Childhood programs often utilize outdoor classrooms. When touring centers, ask specifically about their outdoor play philosophy, frequency of outdoor time, and if they have access to natural elements like gardens, woods, or water features for supervised learning.
What should I look for when touring a daycare center in Excelsior, and are there any local resources to help with the search?
When touring centers in Excelsior, look beyond the basics. Observe staff-child interactions—are they warm and engaged? Check for cleanliness and safety, including secure entrances and fenced playgrounds. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and the educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori, play-based, Reggio Emilia). Inquire about their handling of Minnesota's distinct seasons—do they have ample indoor gross motor space for winter? For local search help, utilize "Parent Aware," Minnesota's quality rating system (1-4 stars), to identify highly-rated programs. The nonprofit "Child Care Aware of Minnesota" offers free referral services. Also, connect with the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce or local parent groups on social media (like "Lake Minnetonka Moms") for personal recommendations and insights into the community's preferred providers.
Nearby Cities
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