The Best Daycare Centers in Farmington, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Farmington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Farmington
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy is a highly respected childcare chain with a strong presence in Minnesota, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their Farmington location provides age-appropriate curriculum focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. Features include secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, and nutritious meal programs. The center emphasizes play-based learning with structured activities that prepare children for kindergarten. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to safety and cleanliness standards.
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Primrose School of Lakeville
Primrose Schools
Located just minutes from Farmington in neighboring Lakeville, Primrose School offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees, and spacious indoor/outdoor learning environments. The school maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and provides healthy meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, educational quality, and nurturing environment.
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The Goddard School of Lakeville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Lakeville serves the Farmington community with a play-based F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes social, cognitive, and physical development. The school features state-licensed teachers, modern security systems including electronic entry, and daily academic lesson plans tailored to each age group. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms, and dedicated art and learning centers. The program emphasizes kindergarten readiness through literacy-rich environments and STEAM activities. Parents highlight the professional staff, clean facilities, and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Farmington, MN
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in Farmington, MN, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Farmington, MN, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of center (corporate chain, faith-based, or in-home) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and household size. Additionally, Dakota County, where Farmington is located, offers resources and navigation help for CCAP applications. Some local centers may also offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to inquire directly with providers about their rates and any available aid.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Farmington, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality licensed centers in Farmington can be significant, especially for infant rooms, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. Popular centers may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up with providers every 2-3 months to confirm your spot remains active. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the area, which may have shorter wait times and offer a home-like setting.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a childcare center in Farmington, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Farmington, licensed family childcare homes operate out of a provider's residence, caring for up to 10 children (with specific ratios for infants/toddlers). They often offer mixed-age groups, flexible hours, and a home-like environment. Licensed childcare centers are commercial facilities with separate classrooms by age, larger staff, and structured curricula. Both must meet Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing standards for safety, staff training, and ratios. To verify licensing and review any past violations, you can use the Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup tool online. Always visit the location, ask for references, and ensure they have a current license posted.
Are there part-time or drop-in childcare options available in Farmington for parents with irregular schedules?
Part-time and drop-in care options in Farmington are more limited than full-time care but do exist. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer part-day or flexible scheduling. A few larger centers might have part-time slots (e.g., 2-3 days per week), but these are in high demand. For true drop-in or occasional care, your best local options are typically specialized drop-in centers in nearby larger cities like Apple Valley or Burnsville. However, some Farmington in-home providers may accommodate occasional care if space allows. It's crucial to call and discuss your specific scheduling needs directly with providers, as policies vary widely.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Farmington, and are there any local resources to help with my search?
During a tour in Farmington, observe cleanliness, safety (secured exits, covered outlets, safe sleep practices for infants), and child-to-staff ratios. Engage with caregivers to assess their interaction with children. Ask about their curriculum, daily routines, outdoor play space, and policies on sick children, meals, and communication. For local search help, utilize the **Dakota County Child Care Resource & Referral** service, which provides free customized lists of licensed providers in Farmington. Also, check the **Farmington Community Guide** and local Facebook parenting groups (e.g., "Farmington, MN Moms") for personal recommendations and reviews from other parents.
Childcare Insights for Farmington
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re in Farmington, Minnesota, and typing “infant daycare near me” into your search bar, you’re likely feeling a mix of hope and anxiety. The good news is that our community here in Farmington offers several wonderful options, each with its own approach to nurturing our youngest residents during those critical first years. The key is knowing what to look for and how to navigate your search locally to find a place where your infant will not only be safe but will truly thrive.
Start your search by understanding what makes infant care unique. In Farmington, many licensed centers and in-home providers offer dedicated infant rooms with low staff-to-child ratios, which is a state requirement but also a cornerstone of quality care. Look for caregivers who are trained in infant development and who communicate with warmth and clarity. When you visit a potential daycare, observe how the staff interacts with the babies. Are they talking, singing, and engaging with them during routine activities like diaper changes and feedings? This one-on-one interaction is crucial for your baby’s brain development and emotional security. Don’t hesitate to ask about their daily schedule, how they handle naps, and their policies on feeding, whether you’re using formula or breastmilk.
Considering Farmington’s specific character can help guide your choice. Think about your daily commute; a provider near Dakota County Road 50 or along the routes to surrounding towns like Lakeville or Rosemount might offer convenience. Inquire about their outdoor time policies, as finding a provider with a safe, enclosed space for fresh air is a wonderful benefit, even for infants. Given our Minnesota seasons, ask how they adapt routines for extremely cold or hot days. Another local aspect to consider is community connection. Many Farmington daycares participate in local events or library reading programs as children grow, fostering an early sense of belonging. It’s also wise to check with other parents at the Farmington community center or local parks for their personal experiences and recommendations.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, trust your instincts during tours. A quality infant daycare in Farmington will feel calm, clean, and organized. The caregivers should be eager to answer your questions and discuss their philosophy on early learning and attachment. Be sure to verify their licensing status with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which you can do online, to ensure they meet all health, safety, and training standards. Finally, remember that securing a spot often requires planning ahead due to high demand, especially for infant care. Starting your search early, even before your baby arrives, can alleviate last-minute stress. Finding the right fit may take time, but there is a nurturing environment in our Farmington community ready to welcome your little one and support your family with compassion and professionalism.