The Best Daycare Centers in Faribault, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Faribault. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Faribault
KinderCare at Faribault
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Faribault provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on academic, social-emotional, and physical development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, STEM activities, and social skills development. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks and maintains rigorous health and safety protocols.
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New Discoveries Learning Center
Independent
New Discoveries Learning Center offers a Montessori-inspired approach combined with traditional early childhood education. The center focuses on individualized learning plans and hands-on experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor nature-based play areas. Their program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and creative expression while maintaining strong parent-teacher communication.
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Primrose School of Owatonna
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Owatonna, located approximately 20 minutes from Faribault, offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Their curriculum includes character development, literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. All teachers meet or exceed state qualifications and participate in continuous professional development. The school maintains excellent health and safety standards with comprehensive cleaning protocols and nutritional meal programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Faribault, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Faribault, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Faribault, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of provider. For infants, you can expect to pay between $225 to $300 per week at a licensed center. Toddler care typically ranges from $200 to $275 weekly, and preschool-age care often costs $180 to $250 per week. Home-based family childcare is generally slightly less expensive. It's important to note that these are estimates, and rates can vary. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available to eligible families in Rice County, which includes Faribault. This state-subsidized program helps low- and moderate-income families pay for childcare. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. You can apply for CCAP through the Rice County Social Services department.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Faribault is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Minnesota are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). To verify a provider's license and review their history, you should use the "Look Up a License" feature on the Minnesota DHS website. This public portal allows you to search by provider name, city (Faribault), or license number. The report will show the license status (active, conditional, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or corrective actions taken in the past two years. You can also see the results of their most recent licensing review. For an even more local perspective, you can contact the Rice County Public Health department, as they often have community-specific knowledge and may participate in the Child Care Aware referral network, which can provide additional quality information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Faribault, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Waitlists are common for infant and toddler care at highly-rated centers and licensed family childcare homes in Faribault, especially for care needed within a few months. It's not unusual for popular providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. The best strategy is to start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, even if you have a first choice. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is standard practice. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare providers in surrounding neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate openings. Being flexible with your start date can also improve your chances.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Faribault, and how do they differ?
Faribault offers several types of licensed childcare options. The most common are: 1. **Childcare Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms and staff. Examples in Faribault include centers associated with employers, churches, or independent operators. They typically offer structured programs for different age groups. 2. **Licensed Family Childcare**: These are home-based providers caring for a smaller group of children (up to 10, including their own). They often offer a more home-like environment and may have more flexible hours. 3. **School-Based Preschool Programs**: The Faribault Public Schools district offers early childhood family education (ECFE) and preschool programs, which are often part-day options. A key difference is the setting and ratio; centers have stricter staff-to-child ratios by age, while family childcare has a mixed-age group dynamic. Your choice will depend on your child's needs, your schedule, and your preference for environment.
Beyond basic care, what are some unique or enrichment-focused childcare programs available for preschoolers in Faribault?
Faribault has several childcare providers that integrate enrichment into their preschool curriculum. Many centers and preschools incorporate elements of nature-based learning, taking advantage of Minnesota's seasons with outdoor play and exploration. Some faith-based centers (e.g., those affiliated with local churches) may include gentle religious education. For specific enrichment, look for programs that highlight activities like early literacy initiatives through the "Imagination Library" (available in Rice County), introductory Spanish, music and movement, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) play. The Buckham Memorial Library in downtown Faribault also offers regular storytimes that many local daycare groups attend, which can be a factor in choosing a provider that values community engagement and literacy. Always ask providers about their daily schedule and curriculum philosophy to find the best fit for your child's interests.