The Best Daycare Centers in Frost, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frost. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frost
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Frost and surrounding communities. They employ a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements, focusing on developmental milestones through hands-on activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low child-to-teacher ratios (4:1 for infants, 10:1 for preschoolers). Their facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and strong communication practices, with many noting significant developmental progress in their children.
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New Horizon Kids Academy
Regional Childcare Management
Located in nearby Austin (approximately 15 minutes from Frost), New Horizon Kids Academy serves families throughout Mower County with a comprehensive educational approach. Their curriculum blends Montessori principles with STEM-focused activities, delivered by degreed early childhood professionals. The center features modern security systems including biometric entry, indoor gross motor play space, and technology-enhanced classrooms. They maintain excellent state licensing compliance records and offer flexible scheduling options. The academy is particularly noted for their kindergarten readiness program and inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity.
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Stepping Stones Early Learning Center
Southern Minnesota Childcare Group
Serving Steele County and surrounding areas including Frost (approximately 20-minute drive), Stepping Stones Early Learning Center has built a strong reputation for academic preparation and nurturing care. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness skills. The center employs state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development requirements and maintains exceptional staff retention rates. Facilities include secure perimeter fencing, allergy-aware meal preparation, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Parents frequently commend the center's transparent communication and the visible progress children make across all developmental domains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frost, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Frost, MN, and are there any local or state assistance programs to help with these expenses?
In Frost and the surrounding Martin County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, around $150 to $200 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Minnesota metro areas but can vary based on the type of provider (center vs. in-home) and specific services offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a key resource for eligible families based on income and need. You can apply through the Martin County Human Services office. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Martin and Faribault Counties may offer guidance or supplemental support programs for qualifying families.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Frost is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Minnesota are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the online "Minnesota Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool. Simply enter the provider's name or license number. This report will show their license status, capacity, any serious licensing violations (called "corrective actions"), and the dates of their last inspections. For Frost specifically, you can also contact the Martin County Public Health or Social Services departments for additional local insights or to inquire about licensed in-home providers who care for fewer children and are registered but not fully licensed.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for daycare centers and in-home providers in Frost?
Due to Frost's small, rural nature, childcare slots are limited and often have waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers. It is common for popular local centers and well-regarded in-home providers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before your needed start date. To find current openings, check with providers directly, use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Minnesota DHS website filtered for the 56043 zip code, and inquire with the Frost Elementary School or local community Facebook groups, where parents often share real-time availability updates.
Are there any unique childcare options in Frost that cater to the schedules of agricultural or shift-working families?
Yes, recognizing the agricultural and shift-work rhythms of the community, some providers in the Frost area offer flexible or non-traditional hours. A few licensed in-home providers may offer early morning, evening, or occasional weekend care to accommodate parents working in farming, manufacturing in nearby Fairmont, or healthcare shifts. It's important to inquire directly about these arrangements, as they are not standard. Additionally, some providers participate in Minnesota's "Child Care Aware" referral system, which can help match families with providers offering flexible schedules. For backup or occasional care, networking with other local families for shared babysitting or "parent co-ops" is a common strategy in this tight-knit community.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a potential daycare in Frost, and are there any local resources for touring or comparing options?
During a visit, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, the caregiver-to-child ratio, and how staff interact with the children. Ask about their daily schedule, meal plans (many providers participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program), outdoor play space, and their policies on sickness and emergencies. Specifically for Frost, ask about their plan for severe weather common to southern Minnesota. For local comparison help, contact the "Child Care Resource and Referral" agency serving the region (often through the Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council or SMOC), which can provide checklists and may facilitate connections. Also, speaking with other parents at community spots like the Frost Cafe or the city park can offer invaluable firsthand perspectives.